Unlocking the Hidden Potential: An Overview of Phylum Porifera – The Aquatic Invertebrates Lacking Organs and Tissue Differentiation

Phylum Porifera

Sponges- filter feeders- ostia: small pores that pull in water- choanocytes: cells within ostia that pick up planktonic food- osculum: opening at top where water flows out- spicules (microscleres and megascleres): structural components-

Phylum Porifera is a diverse group of aquatic animals commonly referred to as sponges. The term “porifera” means “pore-bearing,” which describes the numerous tiny openings in the sponge’s body called ostia. These ostia allow water to flow into the sponge, which brings in food and oxygen and removes waste.

The body of a sponge is characterized by a simple structure, where it lacks organs and tissue differentiation. Instead, it consists of a system of canals and chambers surrounded by a porous skeleton called a “spongin” made up of collagen protein. Spicules, which are small needle-like structures, made up of minerals such as calcium carbonate or silica also support the sponge’s body.

Sponges are sessile organisms meaning that they are stationary and attached to a substrate. Since they cannot move to search for food, they filter the water passing through their body to catch small particles like bacteria or other microscopic organisms. Some larger sponges contain symbiotic algae that produce food through photosynthesis.

Most Porifera species have both male and female reproductive structures, and they can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Porifera is also used in research for its potential medicinal properties. Several natural compounds like Sponge cytotoxin and Araiosamines have been extracted from sponges and potentially used in the treatment of cancer and other deceases.

In summary, Phylum Porifera is a diverse group of aquatic invertebrates that lack organs and tissue but are characterized by a system of canals and chambers surrounded by a skeleton. They filter their food and can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sponges also play an essential role in medical research.

More Answers: