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The meshing of many spicules serves as the sponge's skeleton and thus it provides structural support and potentially defense against predators. [1] Sponge spicules are made of calcium carbonate or silica. Large spicules visible to the naked eye are referred to as megascleres or macroscleres, while smaller, microscopic ones are termed microscleres.
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Bolosoma stalked glass sponge. Hexactinellid sponges are sponges with a skeleton made of four- and/or six-pointed siliceous spicules, often referred to as glass sponges.They are usually classified along with other sponges in the phylum Porifera, but some researchers consider them sufficiently distinct to deserve their own phylum, Symplasma.
Many sponges have internal skeletons of spicules (skeletal-like fragments of calcium carbonate or silicon dioxide), and/or spongin (a modified type of collagen protein). [10] An internal gelatinous matrix called mesohyl functions as an endoskeleton , and it is the only skeleton in soft sponges that encrust such hard surfaces as rocks.
These are found on the exterior of the sponge. Exopinococytes produce spicules which is a needle like process that serves as structure for the organism. [1]
While the spicules in most species are triradiate (with three points in a single plane), some species may possess two- or four-pointed spicules. [4] [5] Unlike other sponges, calcareans lack microscleres, tiny spicules which reinforce the flesh. In addition, their spicules develop from the outside-in, mineralizing within a hollow organic sheath ...
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Spicules cover the thin dermal membrane, although the texture of the sponge itself is soft. The spicules are made of silica and provide structural support as well as protection. Freshwater sponge spicules come in many sizes and forms, including microscleres, emmula microscleres, and parenchyma macroscleres.