colloblast
Sign in to saveAlso known as collocyte
thumb | right | alt=A bioluminescent Ctenophore. | A bioluminescent Ctenophore.Colloblasts are unique, multicellular structures found in ctenophores. They are widespread in the tentacles of these animals and are used to capture prey. Colloblasts consist of a collocyte containing a coiled spiral filament, internal granules and other organelles.
~2 min read
Article
3 sectionsContents
- Form and Function
- Variation and Occurrence
- References
thumb | right | alt=A bioluminescent Ctenophore. | A bioluminescent Ctenophore.Colloblasts are unique, multicellular structures found in ctenophores. They are widespread in the tentacles of these animals and are used to capture prey. Colloblasts consist of a collocyte containing a coiled spiral filament, internal granules and other organelles.
Like the cnidocytes of cnidarians, colloblasts are discharged from the animals’ tentacles, and are used to capture prey. However, unlike cnidocytes, which are venomous cells, colloblasts contain adhesives which stick to, rather than sting the prey. == Form and Function == alt=A diagram of the colloblast displaying the External and Internal Secretion Granules, Cap Cell Membrane, Radii, Collopod, Nucleus and Spheroid Body, Spiral Filament and Plasma Bridge|thumb|A diagram showing the organelles and feature of a typical colloblast.