A cell type in sponges involved in the metabolism of glycogen. The gray cells.
The gray cells of four orders of demosponges contain basophilic inclusions and glycogen. They are capable of synthesis and accumulation of glycogen and responsible for its transfer to sites of more intense metabolism (growth, bud, blastema). They do not occur in larvae; but all the phases of their differentiation from the flagellar cells of the larva have been demonstrated.
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009024:Morphogenesis; D011161:Porifera / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D006003:Glycogen