Puncture mechanics of cnidarian cnidocysts: a natural actuator

Table 2 Summary of the isolated cnidocyst discharge study

Isolated Physalia cnidocyst discharge tests, using concentrations between 0.1 M and 1 M of the indicated solutions (note that EGTA was also used at 5 mM as described in the literature[34]). Starting medium indicates both the wet medium and drying solutions before stimulation with test discharging solutions. A positive sign denotes that more than 95% of the cnidocysts discharged. A negative sign indicates less than 5% cnidocyst discharge. Discharge was only achieved when the cnidocysts were dried in EDTA and rehydrated with an aqueous solution, except in the case of DTT-induced discharge. Note that the grouping "alcohols" include ethanol, methanol, and methylated spirits (a mixture of ethanol and methanol). Experiments were conducted on at least three different batches of cnidocysts at a density of approximately 10³ cysts per 50 μl.
* Note: EGTA was also used at 5 mM[34]

ISSN: 1754-1611