Which specialized stinging cell is characteristic of cnidarians?

Study for the IB Marine Science Standard Level Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes and in-depth explanations. Use our resources to excel in your marine science knowledge!

Multiple Choice

Which specialized stinging cell is characteristic of cnidarians?

Explanation:
Cnidarians rely on specialized stinging cells to capture prey and defend themselves. These stinging cells are cnidocytes, which contain a loaded nematocyst used to deliver venom. The cnidoblast is the developing precursor that gives rise to these stinging cells, so identifying cnidoblasts highlights the cellular basis for the stinging apparatus in cnidarians. The other options don’t describe a cell involved in the stinging system: cnidaria is the animal group, chitin is a structural polysaccharide, and drag is unrelated.

Cnidarians rely on specialized stinging cells to capture prey and defend themselves. These stinging cells are cnidocytes, which contain a loaded nematocyst used to deliver venom. The cnidoblast is the developing precursor that gives rise to these stinging cells, so identifying cnidoblasts highlights the cellular basis for the stinging apparatus in cnidarians. The other options don’t describe a cell involved in the stinging system: cnidaria is the animal group, chitin is a structural polysaccharide, and drag is unrelated.

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