water is moved through the body of the sponge by the choanocytes or archeocystes or pinacoderm

… It means that the organism can feed only on particles smaller than the cells themselves. The food particles are caught by the collar of the choanocyte and are brought into the cell by phagocytosis. The sponges draw water carrying food particles into the spongocoel using the beating of flagella on the choanocytes. How do choanocytes contribute to feeding in sponges? The flow of water is initiated through the coordinated beating of flagella. The first is to create a flow of water and the second is to capture food items as they pass by these cells. What is the main function of choanocytes?Ĭhoanocytes join together creating the choanoderm, where they perform two major functions. Figure 4: Amoebocytes pick up digested food from choanocytes and deliver it to other cells.

… Once inside a food vacuole, amoebocytes pick up and carry the food to other cells in the sponge. What are choanocytes and Amoebocytes?Ĭhoanocytes (not an amoebocyte but a different type of cell) are flagellated cells that capture and digest food in sponges. What is the function of choanocytes in sponges quizlet?Ĭhoanocytes are flagellate cells in sponges that trap and phagocytize (ingest) food particles. The movement of the flagellum creates water currents that aid in circulation. The choanocytes carry out a variety of functions including circulation, capturing food, and assisting with reproduction. Lesson Summary The collar is made of many microvilli and is why these cells are also referred to as collar cells. The structure of a choanocyte is critical to its function, which is to generate a directed water current through the sponge and to trap and ingest microscopic food particles by phagocytosis.

The feeding chambers inside the sponge are lined by choanocytes (“collar cells”).

Water is moved through the body of the sponge by the choanocytes or archeocystes or pinacoderm