Euplectella - Classification, Structure and Reproduction

Euplectella: Euplectella, a genus of marine sponges also known as glass sponges, includes species such as the Venus' Flower Basket. These sponges are typically found in deep ocean waters, often at depths of 500 to 5,000 meters. Euplectella sponges have a unique body structure, which can be curved, tubular, basket-like, or vase-shaped. They are called glass sponges due to the presence of silica spicules in their bodies.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Euplectella Classification

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Euplectella Habitat 

Connective Tissue

Euplectella Morphology

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Euplectella Structure

• Cylindrical and vase-shaped, featuring an aperture at the apex.
• Basket-like appearance, reminiscent of a woven basket.
• Thin-walled and transparent, permitting the transmission of light.

• Comprised of triaxon spicules, minute needle-shaped structures made of silica.
• These spicules are organized in a complex lattice, providing durability and support.
• The silica content imparts Euplectella with its characteristic glass-like appearance.

• Exhibits a syconoid configuration, wherein water flows through a sequence of incurrent canals, radial canals, and ultimately exits through an osculum.
• Incurrent canals draw water into the sponge through minuscule pores on its external surface.
• Radial canals are located along the inner body wall and are lined with choanocytes, specialized cells that sieve food particles from the water.
• The osculum, a larger opening at the top of the sponge, allows the filtered water to escape.

• Anchored to the seabed by a cluster of delicate, glassy fibers

• Often serves as a habitat for a pair of spongicolid shrimps within its canals.
• The shrimps benefit from the shelter and food captured by the sponge, while their excreta serve as nourishment for the sponge.

Female Gametophyte

Euplectella Characteristics

1. Skeleton: Euplectella sponges possess a fragile, cylindrical skeleton made of silica, imparting a glassy appearance. The skeleton comprises elaborate lattice-like structures that offer structural support and defense.
2. Size: These sponges can attain impressive dimensions, with certain species growing to lengths exceeding half a meter.
3. Habitat : Euplectella sponges inhabit deep-sea environments, typically at depths ranging from 100 to 1000 meters. They are often found attached to the seabed or other substrates.
4. Feeding: Similar to other sponges, Euplectella species are filter feeders. They employ specialized cells known as choanocytes to filter minute particles from the surrounding water.
5. Reproduction: Euplectella sponges reproduce sexually, releasing sperm into the water column for uptake by other sponges for fertilization. They can also reproduce asexually through budding.
6. Ecological Importance: These sponges play a crucial role in deep-sea ecosystems, providing habitat and refuge for various marine organisms.
7. Human Utilization : Euplectella sponges have been utilized by humans for various purposes, including as ornamental objects and as a source of silica for glass production.

Vegetative Propagation

Euplectella Reproduction

1. Asexual Reproduction in Euplectella

• Budding: Euplectella reproduces asexually through budding, a process in which new individuals, called buds, develop from the parent sponge. These buds grow and eventually detach, becoming independent organisms.

2. Sexual Reproduction  in Euplectella

• Gamete Production: Euplectella produces gametes (eggs and sperm) for sexual reproduction in specialized structures within the sponge.
• Fertilization: When conditions are favorable, Euplectella releases its gametes into the surrounding water. Fertilization occurs externally when sperm cells encounter egg cells, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
• Embryo Development: The zygote develops into a free-swimming larva that eventually settles on the seabed.
• Juvenile Development: The settled larva undergoes further development, eventually forming a new sponge that grows into an adult Euplectella.

3. Specialized Reproductive Structures

• Gonads: Euplectella possesses specialized structures called gonads where gametes are produced. These structures facilitate the production and maturation of eggs and sperm.
• Sperm Chambers: Male Euplectella store sperm cells in specialized chambers until release into the water for fertilization.
• Egg Chambers: Female Euplectella have specialized chambers where eggs are stored until released into the water for fertilization.

4. Environmental Factors

Euplectella In Hindi