Cnidocytes are specialized cells in cnidarians that shoot what?

• A. Cnidocytes
• B. Amoebocytes
• C. Neurons
• D. Chloroplasts

Answer: (A)

Cnidocytes are the specialized stinging cells of cnidarians. Each cnidocyte contains a nematocyst, a tiny capsule with a coiled thread that can be everted rapidly when triggered. When activated, the thread shoots out to inject venom or entangle prey, delivering the sting. The question asks what cnidocytes shoot; among the given options, the cnidocytes themselves are the cells responsible for the shooting action, since they house and eject the nematocyst. In biology terms, the actual projectile is the nematocyst inside the cnidocyte, but the unit that performs the shooting here is the cnidocyte itself. This reflects the key idea that these cells are the specialized firing units of cnidarians.