Cytostome
Cytostome
Cytostome (/ˈsaɪtəˌstoʊm/; from the Greek words 'kytos' meaning 'cell' and 'stoma' meaning 'mouth') is a specialized micro-structure of certain protists and unicellular organisms that is involved in feeding by phagocytosis.
Definition
A cytostome is a cell mouth or feeding groove found in some protozoa. It is an invagination of the cell membrane from where food particles are ingested. This structure is often associated with cilia which help in the movement of food particles into the cell.
Function
The primary function of the cytostome is to serve as a channel for the intake of food particles into the cell. It is a part of the cellular nutrition process in certain unicellular organisms. The cytostome often leads to a cytopharynx, a tube-like structure, which then leads to food vacuoles where the food is digested.
Occurrence
Cytostomes are found in certain groups of protists, including ciliates and flagellates. They are not found in all types of protists. For example, they are absent in amoebae, which engulf food particles by extending pseudopodia.
Related Terms
- Phagocytosis: The process by which a cell engulfs a solid particle to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome.
- Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures present on the surface of all mammalian cells. They are primarily responsible for locomotion in protozoan cells.
- Cytopharynx: A tube-like structure in some protozoa, leading from the cytostome to a food vacuole.
- Food vacuole: A membrane-bound compartment involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the cell.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cytostome
- Wikipedia's article - Cytostome
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