Question

how does the function of the flagella in the sponge differ from other protists?

Answer 1

First of all... "other" protists? A sponge isn't a protist.

And... it isn't THAT different. Flagella aren't just used for movement, even in single-celled organisms: I think most flagellates do swim around, but some are sessile too, including some choanoflagellates (which look pretty much the same as the flagellated cells in sponges.)

Answer 2

but are sponges and protists similar in a way?

thanks for the response though ;)

Answer 3

Sponges have specific cells (choanocytes) that are very similar to choanoflagellates -- they look pretty much the same, and it is believed that choanoflagellates are the protists that are most closely related to animals.

But... you have to understand that protists are not just one group. There are lots of groups, and some of them are more closely-related to plants, for example, than they are to animals, or very distantly related to both plants and animals. How protists use their flagella depends on the species. A lot of them use flagella to swim around, but there are others that use it to create water flow and/or filter feed.

Answer 4

oh i see thanks for your help...you have helped me a great deal.