Question

What are the different cells present in porifera. State their function.

Answer 1

Sponges have several cell types: *Choanocytes also known as "collar cells, flagellated cells which function as the sponge's digestive system, are remarkably similar to the protistanchoanoflagellates. The collars are composed of microvilli and are used to filter particles out of the water.

Answer 2

Archaeocytes are totipotent cells which can differentiate into other cell types within the body of sponge. Moreover choanocytes also give rise to germ cells.

Choanocytes are flagellated cells which line the spongocoel and form the so called 'choanoderm': the layer represents endoderm of a diploblastic poriferan organism. The flagella help in creating a unidirectional flow of water around the body of sponge. Choanocyte also has a collar made of microvilli. These cells capture microcopic food particles. Digestion is also intracellular, taking place within choanocyte.

Porocytes are unique, elongated, tubular cells . Each porocyte allows water to flow inside the spongocoel from surrounding aquatic habitat. The pore through which water flows in is called ostium (singular). There are innumerable ostia (plural).