Answer:
1. Defense mechanism
2. Feeding purposes (predation)
Step-by-step explanation:
Cnidarians, such as corals and jellyfish, possess stinging cells known as cnidocytes that contain an organelle known as a nematocyst. These structures are located in their tentacles and inject potential prey or predators with a toxic venom.
Nematocysts have two important functions:
1. Defense mechanism
When the nematocyst comes in contact with a potential predator, it fires the venom. This allows them to protect themselves, and the effects and strength of the venom will depend on the species. For example, the venom of an Australian box jellyfish is capable of killing a human.
2. Feeding purposes (predation)
This is similar to the above mechanism. When the nematocyst comes in contact with a prey, it injects the venom to immoblize it and subsequently consume it.