Question

What is the difference between cnidoblast and nematocyst?

Answer 1

Cnidoblast:

1. Cnidoblasts, also called cnidocyst are stinging cells, which is involved in capturing the prey in cnidarians.
2. Cnidocyte is an epidermal cell that contains the nematocyst.
3. Cnidoblast can be found in the tentacles of the cnidarians.

Nematocyst:

1. Nematocysts are referred to as the stinging capsules of cnidoblasts, that aid in the capturing of the prey by cnidarians.
2. Nematocyst is an organelle consisting of a coiled, thread-like stinger used to inject toxins into the prey.
3. The nematocyst is discharged due to chemical or mechanical stimuli received by the cnidocil.

Differences between cnidoblast and nematocyst:

Cnidoblast	Nematocyst
A cnidocyte is located in the exodermal layer of the cnidarian.	A nematocyst is a coiled thread-like structure present inside the cnidoblast.
2. These are characterized by their excellent skills of hunting which they use to get their prey.	2. It has a coiled thread-like structure at the base of it and a hair-like structure that acts as a trigger.
3. Stinging cells are used in defense and capturing the prey.	3. Contains toxins to be injected into the prey.