Which specialized stinging cell is characteristic of cnidarians?

Which specialized stinging cell is characteristic of cnidarians?

• A. Cnidaria
• B. Cnidoblast
• C. Chitin
• D. Drag

Answer: (B)

Cnidarians rely on specialized stinging cells to capture prey and defend themselves. These stinging cells are cnidocytes, which contain a loaded nematocyst used to deliver venom. The cnidoblast is the developing precursor that gives rise to these stinging cells, so identifying cnidoblasts highlights the cellular basis for the stinging apparatus in cnidarians. The other options don’t describe a cell involved in the stinging system: cnidaria is the animal group, chitin is a structural polysaccharide, and drag is unrelated.

Cnidarians rely on specialized stinging cells to capture prey and defend themselves. These stinging cells are cnidocytes, which contain a loaded nematocyst used to deliver venom. The cnidoblast is the developing precursor that gives rise to these stinging cells, so identifying cnidoblasts highlights the cellular basis for the stinging apparatus in cnidarians. The other options don’t describe a cell involved in the stinging system: cnidaria is the animal group, chitin is a structural polysaccharide, and drag is unrelated.