Cnidocytes are specialized cells that do what?

• A. Shoot poisonous barbs
• B. Capture prey with sticky mucus
• C. Engulf bacteria with phagocytosis
• D. Produce light

Answer: (A)

Cnidocytes are specialized stinging cells used by cnidarians to capture prey and defend themselves. Each cnidocyte contains a nematocyst, a capsule with a coiled barb or thread that rapidly everts when triggered, delivering toxins to the target. This mechanism effectively shoots a barbed, venomous thread into prey or threats, which is why the correct description is that they shoot poisonous barbs.

The other ideas don’t fit because sticky mucus capture isn’t how cnidocytes work, phagocytosis is a process of engulfing particles used by other cell types, and producing light refers to bioluminescence, not the stinging function of cnidocytes.