Question

Insect cells housing the symbionts are known as:

• A. Mycetocytes
• B. Goblet cells
• C. Rectal cells
• D. Acinar cells

Hint:

Many insects depend on mycetocyte symbionts for essential amino acids and vitamins not available in their diet.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Mycetocytes are specialized cells that harbor symbiotic microorganisms
Found in insects like aphids, cockroaches, and termites
Contain bacterial or fungal symbionts essential for nutrient synthesis
Other options are unrelated to symbiont housing:
Goblet cells: mucus
secreting cells in vertebrates
Rectal cells: part of insect excretory system
Acinar cells: found in mammalian glands

Answer 2

Elimination by cell function:
Goblet cells are mucus-secreting cells found in vertebrate epithelium and in the insect midgut lining, unrelated to housing microbial symbionts. Rectal cells are specialised for water and ion reabsorption as part of the insect excretory system. Acinar cells are secretory units found in exocrine glands of higher animals, again unrelated to symbiosis. Only mycetocytes are structurally adapted, with an enlarged cytoplasm and specialised membrane systems, to enclose and maintain intracellular bacterial or fungal symbionts that supply essential nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins to the insect host, as seen in aphids, cockroaches, and termites.
Therefore, the cells housing symbionts are mycetocytes.