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 similar ciliates are expelled as filaments containing a cross-striated shaft and a tip. Toxicysts (in Dileptus and some carnivorous protozoans) tend to be positioned near the mouth. When released, a toxicyst discharges a long, nonstriated filament with a rodlike end that paralyzes or kills other microorganisms; this filament is employed for capturing food and, likely, in defense.