Modifications of amebocytes in Poriferans?

Ameobocytes are modified into the following types -



a. Archaeocytes - Undifferentiated totipotent cells



b. Trophocytes - Food providing cells or nurse cells



c. Thesocytes - Food storing cells



d. Myocytes - Form a ring around the osculum and help in closing and opening of osculum



e. Chromocytes - Pigments and excretory substances storing cells



f. Phagocytes - Cells that will engulf excreta and damaged cells from food



g. Germ cells - Reproductive cells that form sperm and ova during breeding season



h. Gland cells - Secretory cells (secreting slimy substances)



i. Spongioblasts - Secrete spongin fibres (of the mesophyl layer)



j. Scleroblasts - Secrete spicules (calcoblasts in calcareous sponges and silicoblasts in silicious sponges)



k. Collencytes - Secrete Collagen and form endoskeleton