This close-up of a jellyfish tentacle shows its stinger mechanism in action. When a small voltage is applied to the tentacle under the microscope, it triggers the firing of cnidocytes (nematocytes). A cnidocyte is an explosive cell containing one large secretory organelle filled with venom and a long hollow tubule. Upon firing, the hollow tubule is pushed outwards and penetrates into the prey/predator, where it delivers its toxic payload. Normally the firing of the cnidocyte is completely involuntary and happens simply from contact with the tentacle.
Source: https://youtu.be/7WJCnC5ebf4
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