Paramecium

Characteristics Called ‘Ciliates’ – from cilia Single-celled organisms Found in fresh water, some in salt and brackish water all over the world. Have cilia – help with movement and feeding Heterotrophic

Structure (Macronucleus) pellicle

Cilia Pellicle Macronucleus Micronucleus Contractile vacuole Oral groove/ mouth pore Gullet Food vacuole Trichocyst Ectoplasm Endoplasm Anal pore 2. Thick outer membrane – Gives it shape 3. Controls the cell’s activities 4. Can have many of these; contain the chromosomes and are used only during conjugation. 5. Remove excess water out of the cell; works like a pump. 6. Takes in food here 8. Food is digested 9. Get rid of undigested food particles here 10. Protection or defense against predators

Reproduction Asexually through binary fission

Sexually through conjugation 2 Paramecium connect at the oral grooves and exchange micronuclei