Sponges-Porifera body structur how do porifera sponges move around

Most cells in a sponge are totipotent, meaning they can move around and change function throughout their lifetime. Sponges also have several microscopic features that are more difficult to see with the naked eye. In this chapter we will explore the diversity and fossil record of phylum Porifera. They have a global distribution, occupy shallow to deep water conditions, and occur in virtually all marine and freshwater environments. Sponges encompass a vast diversity of asymmetrical shapes, sizes, and even hardnesses (ranging from soft and flexible to rock-hard).

The beating flagella of the choanocytes create water currents that flow through the canals and pores in the sponge, bringing in oxygen and particles of food that are consumed. The cells lining the inside of the sponge are called choanocytes(‘collar cells’), which have a ‘tail-like’ flagellum. Spongin is the flexible material that makes up the body wall of the sponge, while spicules are hard, spiny secretions that help to provide a reinforced structure.

Having no digestive tract, localized sensory region, or true tissues, they are little more than a cluster of cells supported by a structure of sponginand spicules. Sponges make up the simplest animal group on the planet: phylum Porifera (from the Latin porus ‘pore’ and ferre ‘to bear’).

Sponges-Porifera body structur how do porifera sponges move around