Question

Reproductive cells present in gemmules are

• A. Germ cells
• B. Archaeocytes
• C. Chromocytes
• D. Phagocytes

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Archaeocytes

Gemmules are the asexual reproductive bodies which are formed by endogenous budding in all freshwater and some marine sponges.

A. Germ cells are the cells that develop into gametes.

B. Archaeocytes are the undifferentiated embryonic amoebocytes with blunt pseudopodia and 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. Chromocytes are the pigmented amoebocytes with lobose (thick, bulbous, blunt) pseudopodia.

D. Phagocytes are the cells that ingest the food particles and thus, are meant for feeding.

Since, regeneration of sponges by means of gemmules is due to archaeocytes, therefore these archaeocytes are the reproductive cells present in gemmules.

So, the correct answer is 'Archaeocytes'.