noun
- Specialized cells in sponges that have a flagellum and collar-like structure, used to filter water and capture food particles.
Usage: biology; plural form; singular is choanocyte; also called collar cells
Examples
- Choanocytes line the inner chambers of sponges and create water currents.
- The flagella of choanocytes beat in a coordinated manner to move water through the sponge.
- Each choanocyte has a collar of microvilli that traps food particles from the water.
- Sponges rely on choanocytes to filter nutrients from their aquatic environment.
- The structure of choanocytes is similar to that of certain protist cells called choanoflagellates.