Question

The power of regeneration in sponges is due to
A. Theocytes
B. Archaeocytes
C. Both of the above
D. Sclerocytes

Answer 1

Hint: Sponges are the members of the phylum Porifera. The poriferans are commonly known as the sponges. The word Porifera is made up of two words, pori meaning pores, and fera meaning bearing. They are known as the pore bearing animals as they have pores all over their body.

Complete answer: Theocytes are a type of amoebocyte cell that is formed by the mesenchyme layer. Amoebocyte cells are locomotory cells and they are called so because they show locomotion like an amoeba. Theocyte cells are used to store the food.
-Archaeocytes are a type of amoebocyte cell that is formed by the mesenchyme layer. Amoebocyte cells are locomotory cells and they are called so because they show locomotion like an Amoeba. Archaeocyte cells are the totipotent cells and they possess the power of regeneration. The archaeocyte cells from the testes and the ovaries, which develop the sperms and the eggs respectively for fertilization.
-Sclerocytes are a type of amoebocyte cell that is formed by the mesenchyme layer. Amoebocyte cells are locomotory cells and they are called so because they show locomotion like an amoeba. Sclerocyte cells are responsible for forming the skeleton of the Porifera.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that the power of regeneration in sponges is due to Archaeocytes.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Totipotency refers to the power of giving rise to any type of cell from a given cell or the power of giving rise to a whole embryo and whole organism from a cell. The cells which possess such power are known as the totipotent cells. In the case of humans, the stem cells are considered to be somewhat totipotent.