question_answer 17)

  Given below are types of cells present in some animals. Which of the following cells can differentiate to perform different functions? (a) choanocytes                       (b) interstitial cells                    (c) gastrodermal cells                  (d) nematocytes

Answer:

                  (b) Interstitial cells are the totipotent cells in the body of cnidarians that are capable of giving rise to any kind of specialized cells to perform different functions. Choanocytes or collar cells are associated with filtering nutrients in sponges. Gastrodermal cells or the cnidocyst are used in attachment and defence  in cnidarians. Nematocyst are capsules that are the specialized cells in cnidarians,. acting as aparalysing sting and used for defence purpose.