Question

Given below are types of cells present in some animals. Which of the following cells can differentiate to perform different functions?

(a) chanocytes

(b) interstitial cells

(c) gastrodermal cells

(d) nematocytes

Answer 1

Interstitial cells are the totipotent cells in the body of cnidarians that are capable or giving rise to any kind of specialised cells to perform different functions.

Chanocytes or collar cells are associated with filtering nutrients in sponges.

Gastrodermal cells or the cnidocyst are used in attachment and defence in cnidarians.

Nematocyst are capsules that are the specialised cells in cnidarians, acting as a paralysing sting and used for defence purpose.