Q. What are the cnidocytes? What is the name of the capsule inside the cnidocyte? What are the biological functions of this structure?
Cnidocytes are specific cells present in coelenterates. They are found in the epidermis and contain toxic substances that can paralyze, hurt or even kill other animals.
Each cnidocyte has an inner capsule know as nematocyst where the actual urticating substance is stored. When a cnidocyte is excited it causes the nematocyst to expose a filament contains the toxic chemical.
Cnidocytes and their nematocysts have the biological functions of defending the individual from external aggression also of helping to capture their prey.