GYMNOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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A gymnocyte refers to a specialized cell found in certain groups of invertebrate animals, particularly sponges. Also known as a collar cell or choanocyte, the term gymnocyte stems from the Greek words "gymnós" meaning "naked" and "kýtos" meaning "cell". This type of cell plays a vital role in the functioning of sponges, which are multicellular aquatic organisms belonging to the phylum Porifera.
Gymnocytes possess a distinctive morphology, characterized by a cylindrical or conical shape with a contractile collar-like structure at the innermost part of their cells. These cells typically line the internal chambers and canals of sponges and function in numerous ways. One of the essential roles performed by gymnocytes is capturing and filtering food particles from the water. This is achieved through the beating of their flagella, which generates currents and draws water inwards. The food particles in the water are then trapped by the intricately arranged collar and subsequently ingested by the cell through phagocytosis.
Aside from their involvement in feeding, gymnocytes also contribute to other sponge functions. They aid in water circulation, ensuring the efficient exchange of gases, waste removal, and dispersal of reproductive cells. Moreover, gymnocytes are involved in maintaining the integrity of the sponge body, as they serve as an important component of the sponge's filtration system. Overall, gymnocytes are crucial cellular components that assist in various physiological processes within sponges while demonstrating remarkable adaptability.
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A naked cell, a cell without limiting membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GYMNOCYTE
- fymnocyte
- vymnocyte
- bymnocyte
- hymnocyte
- yymnocyte
- tymnocyte
- gtmnocyte
- ggmnocyte
- ghmnocyte
- gumnocyte
- g7mnocyte
- g6mnocyte
- gynnocyte
- gyknocyte
- gyjnocyte
- gymbocyte
- gymmocyte
- gymjocyte
- gymhocyte
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