Nematocyst is a specialized cell found in which organisms, used for capturing prey?

Nematocyst is a specialized cell found in which organisms, used for capturing prey?

• A. A type of pigment cell
• B. A specialized cell in cnidarians that contains a stinging structure used for capturing prey
• C. A structural protein in sponges
• D. A neuron

Answer: (B)

Nematocysts are specialized stinging cells found in cnidarians such as jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. Each cnidarian cell contains a tiny capsule filled with venom and a trigger mechanism; when stimulated, the capsule rapidly everts a coiled tubule, delivering venom into prey or a threat. This fast-injecting stinging action helps immobilize prey and begins digestion, making it a defining adaptation for capturing food. The other options don’t fit because nematocysts are not pigment cells, not structural proteins of sponges, and not neurons.

Nematocysts are specialized stinging cells found in cnidarians such as jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. Each cnidarian cell contains a tiny capsule filled with venom and a trigger mechanism; when stimulated, the capsule rapidly everts a coiled tubule, delivering venom into prey or a threat. This fast-injecting stinging action helps immobilize prey and begins digestion, making it a defining adaptation for capturing food. The other options don’t fit because nematocysts are not pigment cells, not structural proteins of sponges, and not neurons.