Question

Germ cells of sponges are formed by

• A. Pinacocytes
• B. Archaeocytes
• C. Collencytes
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Archaeocytes

A. Pinacocytes are the flattened cells that form the outer layer or dermal epidermis of the body wall of sponges. This outer layer is also called as pinacoderm.

B. Archaeocytes are the undifferentiated embryonic amoebocytes with blunt pseudopodia and a large nucleus, showing totipotency. These cells also give rise to the sex cells (ova and sperms) and also play important role in the regeneration of sponges.

C. Collencytes are the amoebocytes with branched pseudopodia. These can be compared with the connective tissue cells and are often united into a syncytial network. These cells produce collagen-like protein.

Hence, germ cells (the cells that form the gametes) are formed by archaeocytes. So, the correct answer is 'Archaeocytes'