Morphology Sponges have three main types of cells

Morphology • Sponges have three main types of cells. • 1. ) Flattened epithelial cells which protect the outer part of the sponge. • 2. ) Collar cells which help digestion. • 3. ) Amoeboid cells which have digestive, reproductive, and skeletal functions.

Lack of systems • Sponges do not have an actual digestion system. Only digestive cells. • Lack a circulatory system • Lack a respiratory system • Lack a nervous system • Excretion of wastes occurs through diffusion.

Digestion • All sponges are suspension feeders (filter feeders). • Strain plankton and tiny organic food particles. • Large sponge can filter 400 gallons of water a day!

Digestion Continued • Water carrying food and oxygen enters the sponge through pores and is swept toward the exit opening by flagelleted collar cells. • Sticky collar cells snare food particles and digestion begins. • Nutrients are transferred to other parts of sponge by amoeboid cells.

Reproduction • Asexual and Sexual • Asexual reproducing by processes called budding. • Sexual reproduction involves the sponge releasing sperm into the water column and connecting with the eggs of another sponge. • Most sponges are hermaphrodites, which means they contain both male and female reproductive parts. • Regeneration: If part of a sponge is pulled off then it can regenerate as long as the cells for regeneration are present.

Commercial Uses Cleaning Contraceptives Antibiotics Water Filters Padding