Paramecium is a genus of unicellular ciliated protozoa commonly found in freshwater environments. They are characterized by their slipper-like shape and numerous hair-like structures called cilia.
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Paramecia use cilia for locomotion and to sweep food particles into their oral groove.
They reproduce asexually through binary fission but can also engage in conjugation, a form of sexual reproduction.
The cell structure includes a macronucleus that controls non-reproductive cell functions and one or more micronuclei involved in reproductive processes.
They have specialized vacuoles: contractile vacuoles for expelling excess water and food vacuoles for digestion.
Paramecia exhibit avoidance behavior by reversing their direction when encountering an obstacle or harmful substance.
Review Questions
What is the primary function of cilia in Paramecium?
Describe the two types of nuclei found in Paramecium and their roles.
How do Paramecia reproduce asexually and sexually?