Extrusomes are membrane-bound structures in some eukaryotes which, under certain conditions, discharge their contents outside the cell. There are a variety of different types, probably not homologous, and serving various functions.
Notable extrusomes include mucocysts, which discharge a mucous mass sometimes used in cyst formation, and trichocysts, which discharge a fibrous rod.[1] The stinging nematocysts found in Cnidarian animals may be regarded as extrusomes as well. Extrusomes found in dinoflagellates are important in the formation of red and black tides.
References
- ^ Lynn D (2008). "Glossary". The Ciliated Protozoa: Characterization, Classification, and Guide to the Literature. Springer. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-4020-8239-9. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
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