Phylum Porifera -Sponges

1. Define the following terms:

 Amoebocytes (mesenchyme cells)- amoeba like cells found in

sponges. They store, digest and transport food, excrete wastes, and
also may give rise to buds in asexual reproduction.

 Collar cells(choanocytes)- any of the flagellated cells

in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body.
A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum

 Osculum- large opening at the top of a spob\nge where excess water

leaves

 Spongin- a modified type of collagen protein that forms the

fibrous skeleton of most organisms among sponges. It is secreted by
sponge cells known as spongocytes

 Spicule- hard spear or star-shaped structures found in sponges.

2. What are the three materials that form a sponge skeleton and shortly
explain?
There are three materials that form the skeletal structure of the sponge. The
first one is the network of protein fibers called spongin that make up the
skeleton. The second are spicules, which are hard spear or star-shaped
structured. The third are soicules made of limestrone or silica.

3. What are the ecological roles of sponges?

Sponges are critical components of the ecosystems of coral reefs, where they
provide shelter for a variety of organisms including shrimp, crabs, and algae.
They are also a source of food for many sponge-eating fish species.
Sponges collect bacteria when they filter water, and scientists believe that
these bacteria could be able to turn ammonium from the sponge's breathing
into nitrogen gas that is then released into the atmosphere. This process
would lower excess nitrogen levels in coral reefs, also preventing
harmful ecosystem changes.