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Cnidocytes (stingin cells), located mostly along jellyfish tentacles, are activated only if their cnidocilium(a structure of the cnidocytes) touches and recognizes some specific organic compounds; in this way, they don't sting themselves, other jellyfish of the same species and other similar species, while can recognize and sting preys and predators even when the tentacle is no longer attached to the jellyfish body; however, is possible that nervous system, in some cases, can choose indipendently if to sting or not.

When activated, pressure inside the cnidocyte builds and it bursts open. A barbed lance springs out, which pierces the victim's skin. Then venom inside the cnidocyte flows through the lance into the victim. The venom's potency depends on the species: some species of jellyfish do not have a sting noticeable to humans while others can be lethal. A jellyfish sting is caused by thousands of cnidocytes.

There is a video of a cnidocyte in action at http://www.jellyfishart.com/kb_results.asp?ID=11

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15y ago

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