The Biology of Nematocysts

The Biology of Nematocysts is derived from a symposium dedicated to the exclusive discussion on the biology of nematocysts and cnidocytes. This book is basically a collection of the submitted reviews of contributors and research proceedings presented at the symposium.

An introduction on the recognition and discovery of both cnidarians and nematocyst aptly begins the discussion in the book. The first chapter serves as an advanced reading that helps readers be familiarized with the terms used in the entire volume. The following chapters are subdivided into six parts, including topics on the ultrastructure, development, control and morphodynamics of discharge, biochemistry, and natural history. The multidisciplinary approach of the main themes is intended to fully understand the unique qualities of the intracellular structure of nematocyst.

This volume will be of great benefit to students and researchers in biological science, cell biology, zoology, microbiology, and general physiology.

Contenu

Contributors
Preface
Introduction: How the Animal Nature of Marine Cnidarians was Recognized and the Nematocyst Discovered

1. Colloquium on Terminology
   I. Ultrastructure
2. Survey of the Ultrastructure of Cnidocytes
3. Presumed Neuronematocyte Synapses and Possible Pathways Controlling Discharge of a Battery of Nematocysts in Hydra
4. The Cnidocil Apparatus of Hydrozoans: A Progenitor of Metazoan Mechanoreceptors?
5. Ultrastructure of the Small Cnidocyte of the Portuguese Man-of-War (Physalia physalis) Tentacle
6. X-Ray Microanalysis and Perspectives on the Role of Calcium and Other Elements in Cnida
   II Development
7. The Nematocyte: An Encapsulation of Developmental Processes
8. Migration of Nematocytes in Hydrozoans
9. Ultrastructure and Cytochemistry of Developing Nematocysts
10. The Formation of Cnidocyte Patterns in Siphonophores
11. Problems of Supply and Demand for Cnidae in Anthozoa
12. Control of Nematocyte Differentiation in Hydra
    III. Control and Morphodynamics of Discharge
13. Control of Discharge: Factors Affecting Discharge of Cnidae
14. Localization of a Purported Chemoreceptor Involved in Triggering Cnida Discharge in Sea Anemones
15. On the Preparation and Properties of Isolated Cnidocytes and Cnidae
16. The Role of Nematocysts in Anthozoan Aggression
17. History and Current State of Knowledge Concerning Discharge of Cnidae
    IV. Biochemistry
18. Nematocyst Venoms and Toxins
19. Characterization of Nematocyst Venoms
20. Sea Anemone Toxins: Structure and Action
21. The Chemistry of Cnidae
22. Chemistry of Hydra Nematocysts
    V. Natural History
23. Nudibranch Nematocysts
24. The Correlation Between Nematocyst Types and Diets in Pelagic Hydrozoa
25. Importance of Nematocysts to Actinian Taxonomy
26. Nematocysts as Taxonomic Criteria within the Family Campanulariidae, Hydrozoa
    VI. Contributed Papers
27. Functional Anatomy of Nematocyte Innervation in Battery Cell Complexes of the Hydra Tentacle
28. Towards a Neuroethology of Nematocyst Discharge in the Tentacles of Hydra
29. Direct Observation of Hemolytic Activity Associated with Single Nematocysts
30. Dynamics of Release of Free Calcium during the Discharge of Holotrichous Isorhiza of Nematocysts of Pelagia noctiluca
31. Polymerized Actin in the Apical Region of Hydra Nematocytes
32. The Allometry of Nematocysts
    Index