Slime Jet
Synthesises a viscous polymer called Mucilage from Glucose . Allows the cell to expel Mucilage to propel itself whilst slowing down creatures that enter the expelled substance.
In contrast to the Flagellum, it provides a quick boost of speed helpful for avoiding predators or catching up to prey.
Requirements
No requirements.
Processes
Mucilage Synthesis: Glucose → Mucilage
Creates Mucilage to be expelled for propulsion.
Modifications
No modifications.
Effects
Enables a cell to expel Mucilage to propel itself. Expelling Mucilage provides a large amount of speed for a short time. The burst can be sustained for longer depending on the amount of available Mucilage .
Any cell without Slime Jets which enters the resulting patch of Mucilage will be slowed down.
Upgrades
No upgrades.
Strategy
The ability to gain a momentary speed boost proves useful when trying to catch up to prey or when running from predators, even more so since the expelled Mucilage can slow down incoming predators. Both total thrust and Mucilage storage, hence also maximum duration of expulsion, are proportional to the number of Slime Jets on a cell.
It is also important to note that the organelle uses Glucose and not ATP , so be sure to check your cell's compound balance when adding this organelle.
Scientific Background
TBA