PPT Slide
- Prey capture is enhanced by use of specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes located in the outer epidermis.
- Each cnidocyte has a modified cilium - cnidocil, and is armed with a stinging structure called a nematocyst.
- The undischarged nematocyst is composed of a long coiled thread
- When triggered to release, either by touch or chemosensation, the nematocyst is released from the cnidocyte and the coiled thread is everted
- Some nematocysts function to entangle the prey; others harpoon prey and inject a paralyzing toxin