An air-filled sac or cavity found in plants or animals, often serving a structural or buoyancy purpose.
From 'aero-' (air) combined with 'cyst' (from Greek kystis, meaning bladder or pouch). Used in biology to describe air-containing structures.
Seaweed uses aerocysts like tiny underwater balloons—these air pockets keep kelp and seaweed floating near the surface where they can get sunlight, making them a elegant biological solution to the problem of sinking in water.
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