# Archaeocyte

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeocyte
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'''Archaeocytes''' (from [Greek](/source/Greek_language) ''[archaios](/source/%3Awikt%3A%E1%BC%80%CF%81%CF%87%CE%B1%E1%BF%96%CE%BF%CF%82)'' "beginning" and ''[kytos](/source/%3Awikt%3A%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82)'' "hollow vessel") or '''amoebocytes'''  are [amoeboid](/source/Amoebocyte) cells found in [sponges](/source/Sea_sponge).  They are [totipotent](/source/Totipotency) and have varied functions depending on the [species](/source/species).
The structure of these cells match to that of the stem cells as of containing high cytoplasmic content that helps the cells to morph according to their function.

==Location==
Archaeocytes are along with other specialized sponge cells including [collencyte](/source/collencyte)s and structural elements called [spicule](/source/spicule_(sponge))s.  They move about within the mesohyl with amoeba-like movements performing a number of important functions.

==Functions==
[Cellular differentiation](/source/Cellular_differentiation) is an essential function of the archaeocyte.  All specialized cells within the sponge have its origins with the archaeocyte. This is especially important in [reproduction](/source/Biological_reproduction) as the sex cells of the sponge in [sexual reproduction](/source/sexual_reproduction) are formed from these amoeboid cells.  Similarly in [asexual reproduction](/source/asexual_reproduction) amoebocytes result in the formation of [gemmule](/source/gemmule)s which are cyst-like spheres containing more amoebocytes as well as other sponge cells including the phylum specific [choanocyte](/source/choanocyte). These cells move within the walls of a sponge and form spicules.

==References==
*{{cite book | author=Tschinkel | author2=Hayward | author3=Mahoney | author4=Felgenhauer | name-list-style=amp | year=2000 | title=An introduction to Animal Diversity | edition=5th | publisher=Pearson Custome Publishing | location=Boston | isbn=0-536-61552-7 }}
*{{cite book |author1=C. Hickman Jr. |author2=L. Roberts |author3=S. Keen |author4=A. Larson |author5=D. Eisenhour | year=2007 | title=Animal Diversity | edition=4th | publisher=McGraw-Hill | location=New York | isbn=978-0-07-252844-2 }}

Category:Sponge anatomy
Category:Cell biology
Category:Animal cells

{{Cell-biology-stub}}

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Archaeocyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeocyte) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeocyte?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.