Paramecium

1
Paramecium
2
Paramecium, (lower organism) with the head of a
worm) above.
3

• Paramecium is a small unicellular organism that
  is plentiful in freshwater ponds.
• It may reproduce by dividing two or three times a
  day.

4

• Paramecium belongs to the group called protozoa.
  There are 80,000 species identified.
• The outer surface of the cell is covered with
  cilia. These act like oars.
• As it moves through the water particles of debris
  and food are collected and swept into the gullet.

5
Feeding

• Paramecium has a permanent feeding mechanism,
  consisting of a funnel-shaped gullet into which
  food is drawn by the combined action of cilia
  which cover the body and other cilia lining the
  gullet. They feed on small organisms such as
  bacteria and even other smaller protozoa.

6
Reproduction

• A. Division. In favorable conditions the cell
  divides in two by a process called binary
  fission. This whole process make take place two
  or three times a day if conditions were right!
• B. Conjugation. This is a more complicated
  method. It involves two cells coming together to
  exchange DNA. The two cells then separate and
  continue to reproduce by simple division.

7
Things to LOOK for

• Observe the way in which Paramecium moves. Can
  you see the cilia beating?
• Notice the reaction of the animal when it hits
  an obstacle. Can it swim backwards?
• Are all the Paramecia the same size?
• Estimate the speed of movement. Slow down the
  motion of the organisms with something.

8
More to look for

• Can you now see the cilia beating with a
  wave-like motion?
• There are vacuoles in Paramecium that do not
  contain food, usually one at each end. These are
  used to remove excess water. You may see these
  fill up and then empty.
• Can you see any Paramecia dividing on your slide?
  

9
A vacuole emptying