Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – issues related to SCs and STs
In news A new study has identified for the first time that specialised immune cells (phagocytic cells) exist in certain varieties of sea corals and anemones.
It will help in better understanding how reef-building corals and other reef animals protect themselves from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses found in and around coral reefs.
What is Phagocytosis?
It is the process by which certain living cells called phagocytes ingest or engulf other cells or particles.
The phagocyte may be a free-living one-celled organism, such as an amoeba, or one of the body cells, such as a white blood cell.
In some forms of animal life, such as amoebas and sponges, phagocytosis is a means of feeding.
What are Sea anemones?
They are sometimes called the ‘flowers of the sea’, sea anemones are actually beautiful animals, they are a close relative of coral and jellyfish, and are the marine, predatory animals of the order Actiniaria.
They are found from the tidal zone of all oceans to depths of more than 10,000 metres.
What is Coral?
Corals are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps. These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues.
The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship.
They are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.
Major locations of corals in India
Coral reefs are present in the areas of Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep Islands and Malvan.
