Question

function of trichocyst

Answer 1

Trichocysts in Paramecium and other ciliates are discharged as filaments composed of a cross-striated shaft and a tip. 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.

The functional significance of other trichocysts is uncertain, although those of Paramecium apparently can be extruded for anchorage during feeding.


Hope my answer will help u...!
@bipasha