Paramecium Overview and Biology
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Questions and Answers

Is the paramecium a unicellular or multicellular organism?

unicellular

To what Phylum and Kingdom do paramecium belong?

Kingdom - Protista, Phylum - Ciliophora

Define heterotroph.

Eating & consuming your food

What do paramecium eat?

<p>Agal scum &amp; microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do all members of the Phylum Ciliophora move?

<p>With cilia</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can't the paramecium change shape like the amoeba?

<p>Because paramecium have a thick outer membrane, unlike the amoeba. They have a pellicle so it can't change shape.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the macronucleus and micronucleus do?

<p>Macronucleus controls respiration, protein synthesis, &amp; digestion. Micronucleus controls &amp; is only used during reproduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define conjugation.

<p>A method of sexual reproduction when two paramecium lie side by side and join at the mouth pore, exchanging very little genetic information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the contractile vacuole?

<p>To remove excess water</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the oral groove?

<p>The area that appears pinched inward that cilia sweep food into.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wastes exit the paramecium through what?

<p>Anal pore</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the trichocysts?

<p>To make itself appear bigger or to entangle its predator</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compare the endoplasm and the ectoplasm.

<p>Ectoplasm: On the outside of the cell - thin; Endoplasm: on the inside - thicker</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define avoidance behavior.

<p>Moves away or avoids negative or unpleasant stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do paramecium live?

<p>Quiet or stagnant ponds</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paramecium Overview

  • Paramecium is a unicellular organism, belonging to the Kingdom Protista and Phylum Ciliophora.
  • It is characterized by its use of cilia for movement.

Nutrition and Feeding

  • Paramecium are heterotrophs, obtaining food by consuming organic matter.
  • They primarily feed on microorganisms and decaying organic matter like algal scum.

Structure and Movement

  • Paramecium have a thick outer membrane called a pellicle that prevents shape alteration, unlike amoebas.
  • All members of the Phylum Ciliophora utilize cilia for movement.

Reproductive Biology

  • Paramecium possess two types of nuclei: the macronucleus, which manages respiration, protein synthesis, and digestion; and the micronucleus, which is involved in reproduction.
  • Conjugation is a form of sexual reproduction where two paramecia exchange minimal genetic material by joining at the mouth pore.

Cellular Functions

  • The contractile vacuole is essential for osmoregulation, helping to expel excess water from the cell.
  • Food is swept into the oral groove, an inwardly pinched area lined with cilia, facilitating feeding.

Waste Management

  • Waste products are expelled from the paramecium through an anal pore.

Defense Mechanisms

  • Trichocysts are specialized organelles that enable paramecium to appear larger or ensnare potential predators.

Cytoplasmic Composition

  • Ectoplasm, the outer layer, is thin, while endoplasm, the inner layer, is thicker, contributing to the cell's structure and function.

Behavioral Response

  • Avoidance behavior is exhibited when paramecium move away from negative stimuli, aiding survival.

Habitat

  • Paramecium thrive in quiet or stagnant ponds, where they find abundant food sources.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of Paramecium, a unicellular organism from the Kingdom Protista. Explore its structure, movement, nutrition, and reproductive biology, including the roles of its nuclei and unique feeding methods. Test your knowledge about this fascinating microorganism.

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