What is the function of Trichocysts in ciliates?
trichocyst, a structure in the cortex of certain ciliate and flagellate protozoans consisting of a cavity and long, thin threads that can be ejected in response to certain stimuli. Trichocysts may be widely distributed over an organism or restricted to certain areas (e.g., tentacles, papillae, around the mouth).
What is the purpose of Trichocysts?
The function of trichocysts is largely being studied and is thought to be of defensive nature against predators. This is especially true in the case of toxicysts. A toxicyst when discharged expels a non-striated long filament that bears a rodlike tip.
What is the function of micronucleus in paramecium?
The micronucleus is a storage site for the germline genetic material of the organism. It gives rise to the macronucleus and is responsible for the genetic reorganization that occurs during conjugation (cross-fertilization).
Where are Trichocysts found?
Trichocysts are found in ciliates and in dinoflagellates and other flagellate groups (Hausmann and Hülsmann, 1996).
In what phyla of protozoa would you find Trichocysts?
A trichocyst is an organelle found in certain ciliates and dinoflagellates.
What is Toxicyst?
Toxicysts (in Dileptus and certain other carnivorous protozoans) tend to be localized around the mouth. When discharged, a toxicyst expels a long, nonstriated filament with a rodlike tip, which paralyzes or kills other microorganisms; this filament is used to capture food and, presumably, in defense. trichocyst.
What is the function of micronucleus in ciliates?
Ciliates contain two types of nuclei: a micronucleus and a macronucleus. The micronucleus serves as the germ line nucleus but does not express its genes. The macronucleus provides the nuclear RNA for vegetative growth.
What is the functions of macronucleus in ciliates?
A macronucleus (formerly also meganucleus) is the larger type of nucleus in ciliates. Macronuclei are polyploid and undergo direct division without mitosis. It controls the non-reproductive cell functions, such as metabolism.
How do ciliates obtain nutrients?
Feeding. Most ciliates are heterotrophs, feeding on smaller organisms, such as bacteria and algae, and detritus swept into the oral groove (mouth) by modified oral cilia.
How do ciliates use phagocytosis?
Ciliates use phagocytosis to acquire edible particles. The non-specific, constitutive phagocytosis in microstomes thereby changes into a specific inducible process in macrostomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the phagocytotic process in macrostomes is specifically aimed at catching T. thermophila.
What is a Toxicyst?
toxicyst In certain protozoa, an organelle which resembles a trichocyst but in which the filament carries a poison that can kill other protozoa. Toxicysts are used for capturing prey.