Choanocyte

From Free net encyclopedia

Choanocytes (also known as "collar cells") are cells that line the interior body walls of sponges that contain a central flagellum surrounded by a collar of microvilli. It is the closest family member to the free-living ancestor called choanoflagellate. The flagellum beats regularly, creating a water flow across the microvilli which can then filter nutrients and other food from the water taken from the collar of the sponge. The sponge-like property of these cells is that they reconstruct themselves after complete breakdown.

By lining the walls of spongocoel, they create an intracellular space called the porocyte.

Template:Cellbio-stubfr:Choanocyte also is known to live in frogs eyes