1. A nortochord is absent in mutants. The larval stage has a notochord (in the tail).
2. The body is covered by a tunic or test. Tunic is made up of cellulose called Tunisian.
3. The metamorphosis adheres to submerged objects by adhesive glands located on the head. That is, living a still life.
4. They are marine and live singly or in colonies.
5. Some animals forcefully draw water with a siphon, so they are called sea fountains or tunicates.
6. The larval stage consists of notochord, nerve cord and phloem. The larva is the free or active stage.
7. The pharynx is like a large sac.
8. Their bodies contain chemicals called didemnin. Didemenin is used in the treatment of cancer.
9. The circulatory system is free, the heart cycle reverses peristalsis (blood flow reverses direction each time).
10. They are bisexual animals. The life cycle consists of tadpole larvae.
11. Larval metamorphosis or retrogressive metamorphosis occurs. That is, advanced features are lost and undeveloped features are gained.
[Key words to remember features: notochord, tunic, testa, fountain, nerve cord, pharynx, pharyngeal sac, didemnin, reverse peristalsis, tadpole, retrogressive metamorphosis]