nematocyst

nematocyst
(= cnidocyst)
Stinging mechanism used for defence and prey capture by Hydra and other members of the Cnidaria (Coelenterata). It is located within a specialized cell, the nematocyte and consists of a capsule containing a coiled tube. When the nematocyte is triggered, the wall of the capsule changes its water permeability and the inrush of water causes the tube to evert explosively ejecting the nematocyst from the cell. The tube is commonly armed with barbs and may also contain toxin.

Dictionary of molecular biology. 2004.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Nematocyst — Nem a*to*cyst, n. [Nemato + cyst.] (Zo[ o]l.) A lasso cell, or thread cell. See {Lasso cell}, under {Lasso}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • nematocyst — (n.) 1875, from nemato , comb. form of Gk. nema, nematos thread (gen. nematos), from stem of nein to spin (see NEEDLE (Cf. needle) (n.)) + CYST (Cf. cyst) …   Etymology dictionary

  • nematocyst — [nem′ə tō sist΄] n. [ NEMATO + CYST] any of the intracellular stinging structures characteristic of all cnidarians, as the jellyfish: it contains a threadlike sting nematocystic adj …   English World dictionary

  • nematocyst — nematocystic, adj. /nem euh teuh sist , ni mat euh /, n. Zool. an organ in coelenterates consisting of a minute capsule containing an ejectable thread that causes a sting. [1870 75; NEMATO + CYST] * * * ▪ biology       minute, elongated, or… …   Universalium

  • nematocyst — noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1875 one of the stinging organelles of coelenterates used in catching prey …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • nematocyst — См. cnida …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • nematocyst — noun A capsule, in certain cnidarians, containing a barbed, threadlike tube that delivers a paralyzing sting Syn: cnidocyte …   Wiktionary

  • nematocyst — A stinging cell of coelenterates consisting of a poison sac and a coiled barbed sting capable of being ejected and penetrating the skin of an animal on contact; of considerable consequence in large jellyfish and in the Portuguese man of war whose …   Medical dictionary

  • nematocyst — nemÉ™tÉ™sɪst ,nɪ mæt n. organ in coelenterates that contains a long very thin stinging appendage, lasso cell …   English contemporary dictionary

  • nematocyst — [nɪ matə(ʊ)sɪst, nɛmət ] noun Zoology a specialized cell in the tentacles of a jellyfish or other coelenterate, containing a barbed or venomous coiled thread that can be projected in self defence or to capture prey …   English new terms dictionary

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