noun
- small defensive organelles found in certain protozoans that can rapidly discharge thread-like structures when the organism is threatened
Usage: biology; technical
Examples
- The paramecium’s trichocysts discharged when it encountered a predator.
- Scientists observed the trichocysts under high magnification to study their structure.
- When stimulated, the trichocysts release long filaments that may help deter attackers.
- The function of trichocysts in ciliated protozoans is still being researched.
- Trichocysts are characteristic features of many members of the phylum Ciliophora.
- The rapid ejection of trichocysts serves as a defense mechanism for these microscopic organisms.