What are comb plates in ctenophores used for?

They have eight rows of iridescent structures, called comb plates, which are huge multiciliated paddle-like structures used for locomotion and uniquely found in this group of animals [1].

Do ctenophores have comb plates?

Ctenophores are specially characterized by eight rows of cilia, which are used for locomotion. The cilia found in every row are usually arranged to make a stack of combs, also called comb plates, or ctenes.

Why are ctenophores commonly called comb jellies?

Comb jellies are named for their unique feature: plates of giant fused cilia, known as combs, which run in eight rows up and down their bodies. The combs act like tiny oars, propelling the comb jelly through the water.

Why are comb jellies important?

Unlike jellyfish, comb jellies cannot sting. While the animals are not directly used by humans, they are important for marine food chains. Some species control zooplankton which could wipe out phytoplankton if left unchecked.

What is a comb plate?

1. comb-plate – a locomotor organ consisting of a row of strong cilia whose bases are fused. ctene. comb jelly, ctenophore – biradially symmetrical hermaphroditic solitary marine animals resembling jellyfishes having for locomotion eight rows of cilia arranged like teeth in a comb.

What are comb rows?

Most species have eight strips, called comb rows, that run the length of their bodies and bear comb-like bands of cilia, called “ctenes”, stacked along the comb rows so that when the cilia beat, those of each comb touch the comb below.

Which of the following are characteristics of members of the Cnidaria phylum?

Cnidarians share several basic characteristics. All Cnidaria are aquatic, mostly marine, organisms. They all have tentacles with stinging cells called nematocysts that they use to capture food. Cnidarians only have two body layers, the ectoderm and endoderm, separated by a jelly-like layer called the mesoglea.

What phylum does a comb jelly belong to?

phylum Ctenophora
ctenophore, byname Comb Jelly, any of the numerous marine invertebrates constituting the phylum Ctenophora. The phylum derives its name (from the Greek ctene, or “comb,” and phora, or “bearer”) from the series of vertical ciliary combs over the surface of the animal.

Why do comb jellies bioluminescence?

Known as comb jellies, they use eight longitudinal rows of cilia for locomotion. When the cilia beat, light is scattered, producing a rainbow of colors. Some species of comb jellies (like so many animals in the deep sea) make their own light, called bioluminescence. All comb jellies are carnivores.

Why do comb jellies produce light?

Comb jellies’ ability to generate light comes from genes that produce photoproteins. Two types of chemicals involved in light production, called luciferin and luciferase, are bound together in a photoprotein. This molecule can be triggered to produce light when calcium is added to the system.

What is comb plate and where it is found?

A locomotor organ consisting of a row of strong cilia whose bases are fused are called Comb plates. These are found in ‘Pleurobrachia’.

Where do you find I comb plates?

Comb plates are found in Pleurobrachia (ctenophora).