Question

What are the three functions of a cnidarian's gastrovascular cavity?

Answer 1

Cnidarians:

1. Cnidarians are the group of organisms that belongs to the phylum Coelenterata including mostly marine animals, corals, hydras, jellyfish, etc.
2. Cnidarians have a gastrovascular cavity.
3. The gastrovascular cavity is the organ that performs both digestion and circulation.
4. The gastrovascular cavity is present in organisms with primitive body structures.

Functions of the gastrovascular cavity in Cnidarians:

1. Digestion and absorption of food:

1. The gastrovascular cavity is the major site for food digestion and nutrient absorption in cnidarians.
2. Food passes through the mouth and enters the cavity.
3. Inside the gastrovascular cavity, a cell membrane wraps around food particles and then takes them to the interior cavity.
4. The digestive enzymes inside the interior cavity degrade the food particle and the nutrients from the food are absorbed by the cnidarians.

2. Waste disposal:

1. The food is ingested by the process of phagocytosing, is absorbed, and used by the cells.
2. The waste products diffuse through the cell membrane of the gastrovascular cavity and are expelled via the mouth.

3. Exchange of gases:

1. The exchange of gases takes place from the mouth of the gastrovascular cavity.
2. The oxygen is inhaled and carbon dioxide is exhaled out.