Paramecium

By Alvina Munoz

Picture

Structure• Pellicle - a membrane covering that protects the paramecium like

skin    

• Cilia - hair like appendages that help the paramecium move food into the oral groove    

• Oral Groove - collects and directs food into the cell mouth    

• Cell Mouth - opening for food         

• Contractile Vacuole - contracts and forces extra water out of the cell    

• Radiating Canals - paths to the contractile vacuole

Structure• Cytoplasm - intercellular fluid needed to contain vital cell parts

     • Trichocyst - used for defense

   • Gullet - forms food vacuoles

     • Food Vacuole - storage pocket for food

    • Macronucleus - larger nucleus which performs normal cell functions

     • Micronucleus - smaller nucleus which is responsible for cell division.

Functions

• Paramecium are eaten by other unicellular organisms such as Didinium.

• The contractile vacuoles are used for osmosis.

• The cilia help the paramecium move.

Classification

• Kingdom: Protista • Phylum: Protozooa

Osmosis

• The paramecium must keep osmotic equilibrium, which means the water pressure outside its skin and inside its body needs to be equal at all times. Contractile vacuoles pass water from inside the cell to outside, and vice versa.

Diffusion

• Paramecium have problems with diffusion due to their hypotonic state.

• This is why the contractile vacuole is so important.

• Without it, the paramecium would absorb too much and burst.

Cellular Respiration

• A paramecium is not a plant cell or an animal cell.

• However, it uses cellular respiration to get the oxygen from the liquid it swims.

Cellular Respiration

• A paramecium cannot achieve cellular respiration unless at a certain temperature is obtain in the water or liquid.