Question

What is the syncytial epidermis?

Answer 1

Hint: Epidermis is a thin outer layer present over the organs of the organism’s body as a covering. The epidermis is visible to the naked eye. It doesn’t have blood vessels therefore the epidermal layer beneath the outermost layer is responsible for providing the epidermis with nourishment.

Complete answer:
Syncytial epidermis comprises cells with a large number of nuclei. A large number of cells are fused to produce the syncytial epidermis. When multiple cells fuse, the already present nucleus degenerates when the first layer of epidermal cells is formed having the protein synthesis cells are connected. The Syncytial epidermis is found in the body wall of the Ascaris. They are the characteristic feature of the phylum Platyhelminthes.
Additional information: Phylum Platyhelminthes comprises organisms that are both free-living and parasitic. They are bilaterally symmetrical. They have a dorsoventrally flattened body, i.e., their body is flat from both upper and lower surfaces. There are triploblastic organisms with acoelomate body cavities. The parasitic forms of Platyhelminthes have hooks and suckers for ease of absorption of nutrient molecules from the host’s body. Platyhelminthes have a particular type of cells that help them in osmoregulation and excretion. These cells are known as flame cells. These organisms have the same sexes, i.e., the males and females are not distinct. They have internal fertilization and new individuals are developed through many larval stages. An example of Platyhelminthes is a liver fluke, tapeworm.

Note:
Phylum Platyhelminthes has an organ level of organization. This refers to the cells combined to make tissues. These tissues further combine to define the organs of the organism. Platyhelminthes mostly comprise worms that are monogenetic parasites. They affect humans by inhabiting the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum.