Paramecium What makes it living?
Paramecia are unicellular (single-celled) organisms that live in freshwater environments. They are part of a group known as the ciliates because they are covered in cilia (small hair-like structures). These cilia help the paramecium to move quickly through the water and escape predators.
Do you remember which of our organ systems uses cilia?
As with most living organisms, paramecia have had to evolve (or adapt) to avoid being eaten by predators. One such adaptation is the trichocyst, a spear like structure that can be fired at predators as a form of self-defense.
Reproduction in ciliates is predominantly accomplished asexually through a process known as fission, but may also result from conjugation. Fission is the division of a single cell into two distinct cells. Conjugation, on the other hand, occurs when two cells connect with one another and exchange genetic material. Conjugation doesn't result in any offspring, but in cells that are genetically distinct, or "reborn."
Unlike humans, Paramecia have two nuclei: one micronucleus and one macronucleus. The genetic material (DNA) used for conjugation is stored in the micronucleus. The macronucleus is used for the metabolic processes and growth.
Like other cells, Paramecia have organelles ("little organs") that help them accomplish specific tasks such as eating and getting rid of wastes.
Paramecia sweep their food (primarily bacteria) into their oral groove using cilia. Once ingested, the food is stored in food vacuoles. These food vacuoles can then be transported throughout the cell. After the food has been chemically digested, the wastes are expelled through the cytoproct (cell anus).
Paramecia also have contractile vacuoles (star-shaped vesicles) to expel excess water. This helps keep the cell's internal balance in check.
Which digestive system organs are equivalent to these organelles?