Skip to content
Question 33 of 34

Q.Draw Gemmule in sponges and label the parts. [figure: labelled diagram of a gemmule in sponges, to be drawn by the candidate — not printed in the question paper]

Puducherry TnboardTamil Nadu HSC (DGE) Board 2026Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
97% · 33/34 Questions
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →
Figure — Labelled sectional diagram of a freshwater-sponge (Spongilla) gemmule
Figure — Labelled sectional diagram of a freshwater-sponge (Spongilla) gemmule

A gemmule is an internal, resistant asexual bud of freshwater sponges, made of a nutrient-packed cell mass wrapped in a tough spicule-reinforced coat with a single escape pore, the micropyle.

To label the diagram correctly: at the centre, draw and label a rounded mass of archaeocytes -- large, totipotent, amoeboid cells packed with stored food reserves -- which is the actual living, germinating part of the gemmule. Surrounding this cell mass, label the protective outer coat, made of two layers: an inner chitinous (spongin) membrane and an outer layer reinforced and toughened by numerous small, characteristically dumb-bell/disc-shaped siliceous spicules called amphidiscs, embedded within it, which give the gemmule its resistance to desiccation, cold and other adverse conditions. On the coat, label a small, distinct opening or pore, the micropyle, through which, when favourable …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.