What is cytostome and its function?
A cytostome (from cyto-, cell and stome-, mouth) or cell mouth is a part of a cell specialized for phagocytosis, usually in the form of a microtubule-supported funnel or groove. Food is directed into the cytostome, and sealed into vacuoles.
What is cytostome Paramecium?
Cytostome is a narrow aperture in the cell membrane of Paramecium through which food particles enters into the cell.
What is cytostome in parasitology?
The cytostome is a plasma membrane invagination coupled to a few special microtubules that penetrate the cell almost to the nucleus. The opening of this complex, which is known as the cytostome, has a diameter of up to 0.3 μm.
What is cytostome and cytopharynx?
The cytostome–cytopharynx complex consists of an opening at the plasma membrane surface, close to the flagellar pocket, called the ‘cytostome’, followed by a deep membrane invagination, called the ‘cytopharynx’.
What is the function of Macronucleus?
A macronucleus (formerly also meganucleus) is the larger type of nucleus in ciliates. Macronuclei are polyploid and undergo direct division without mitosis. It controls the non-reproductive cell functions, such as metabolism.
What is the function of the pellicle?
In biology, a pellicle has a protective function, forming a thin layer of protein against the cell membrane. The protective film on the surface of tooth enamel is also called a pellicle. Pellicles also have roles in cooking and photography.
What is the function of cytopharynx?
The cytopharynx is a tube-like passageway in certain protozoans, such as ciliates and flagellates. It serves as a gullet by which food passes through. It is non-ciliated and of differing lengths depending on the species. It leads from the cytostome, which serves as the mouth.
What does cytopharynx mean?
cytopharynx (plural cytopharynxes or cytopharynges) (cytology) A tube-like opening in the lateral surface of a ciliate, through which food is ingested.
Do vacuoles store water?
The vacuole holds large amounts of water or food. Don’t forge that vacuoles can also hold the plant waste products. Those waste products are slowly broken into small pieces that cannot hurt the cell. Vacuoles hold onto things that the cell might need, just like a backpack.