Filamentous trichocysts in Paramecium and other ciliates are discharged as filaments composed of a cross-striated shaft and a tip. Toxicysts (in Dileptus and certain other carnivorous protozoans) tend to be localized around the mouth. When discharged, a toxicyst expels a long, nonstriated filament with a rodlike tip, which paralyzes or kills other microorganisms; this filament is used to capture food and, presumably, in defense.
Filamentous trichocysts in Paramecium and other ciliates are released as filaments made of a cross-striated shaft and a tip. Toxicysts (in Dileptus and certain carnivorous protozoans) usually gather around the mouth. When discharged, a toxicyst ejects a long, nonstriated filament with a rodlike tip that paralyzes or kills other microorganisms; this filament is used for capturing food and, presumably, in defense.