Shooting Mechanisms in Nature: A Systematic Review
Fig 22
Osmotic-powered eversion catapult mechanism in the phylum Cnidaria.
(A) The cnidocyte, consisting of a cell wall, capsule wall, folded tubule, and enclosed operculum. (B–C) After triggering the cnidocil, the operculum opens, and the shaft with stylus is discharged into the prey’s cuticle. (D) The cnidocyte with a totally everted tubule. Drawings based on schematic drawings and high-speed video images in [29]. Scale bar 15 μm.