Difference between revisions of "Paramecium" - New World Encyclopedia
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{{Taxobox_begin_placement | color = pink}} | {{Taxobox_begin_placement | color = pink}} | ||
{{Taxobox_regnum_entry | taxon = [[Protist]]a}} | {{Taxobox_regnum_entry | taxon = [[Protist]]a}} | ||
| − | {{Taxobox_phylum_entry | taxon = [[Ciliate|Ciliophora]]}} | + | {{Taxobox_phylum_entry | taxon = [[Ciliate|Ciliophora]]*}} |
| − | {{Taxobox_classis_entry | taxon = [[Oligohymenophorea]]}} | + | {{Taxobox_classis_entry | taxon = [[Oligohymenophorea]]*}} |
| − | {{Taxobox_ordo_entry | taxon = | + | {{Taxobox_ordo_entry | taxon = Peniculida}} |
{{Taxobox_familia_entry | taxon = Parameciidae}} | {{Taxobox_familia_entry | taxon = Parameciidae}} | ||
| − | {{Taxobox_genus_entry | taxon = '''''Paramecium'''''}}<br><small>[[Otto Friedrich Müller|Müller]], 1773</small> | + | {{Taxobox_genus_entry | taxon = '''''Paramecium'''''}}<br><small>[[Otto Friedrich Müller|Müller]]*, 1773</small> |
{{Taxobox_end_placement}} | {{Taxobox_end_placement}} | ||
{{Taxobox_end}} | {{Taxobox_end}} | ||
| − | '''''Paramecium''''' is a well-known genus of ciliate protozoa of the phylum Ciliophora, commonly studied as a representative of that group. Paramecia are unicellular and slipper-shaped organisms found in freshwater environments, ranging from 50 to 300 μm in length, depending on the [[species]]. Simple '''cilia''', tiny hairlike filaments, cover the body, and there is a deep oral groove, containing inconspicuous compound oral cilia, as found in other peniculids. These cilia aid in both movement and in moving food to the oral cavity. | + | '''''Paramecium''''' is a well-known genus of ciliate protozoa (single-celled [[eukaryote]]s, generally grouped in the kindgom [[Protista]]) of the phylum Ciliophora, commonly studied as a representative of that group. Paramecia are unicellular and slipper-shaped organisms found in freshwater environments, ranging from 50 to 300 μm in length, depending on the [[species]]. Simple '''cilia''', tiny hairlike filaments, cover the body, and there is a deep oral groove, containing inconspicuous compound oral cilia, as found in other peniculids (order of protozoa). These cilia aid in both movement and in moving food to the oral cavity. |
| − | ==Movement== | + | ==Movement and feeding== |
The hair-like cilia that cover the outer body of the paramecium are in constant motion, helping the organism move along at a speed of four times its own length per second. As it moves forward, it rotates on its axis, which aids in pushing food into the gullet. It can move backwards by reversing the motion of the cilia. | The hair-like cilia that cover the outer body of the paramecium are in constant motion, helping the organism move along at a speed of four times its own length per second. As it moves forward, it rotates on its axis, which aids in pushing food into the gullet. It can move backwards by reversing the motion of the cilia. | ||
| − | + | Food enters the food vacuoles, which cilia push into the gullet in a process known as '''phagocytosis''', and is digested with the aid of hydorchloric acid and [[enzyme]]s (Raven and Johnson 1996). When digestion is complete, the remaining food content is emptied into pellicles, known as '''cytoproct.''' Osmoregulation is carried out by a pair of '''contractile vacuoles''' on either end of the [[cell]], which actively expel [[water]] absorbed by osmosis from the surroundings. | |
| − | Food enters the food vacuoles, which cilia push into the gullet in a process known as '''phagocytosis''', and is digested with the aid of hydorchloric acid and | ||
| − | Some [[species]] of paramecia, such as ''Paramecium bursaria'', form [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationships with [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] [[algae]]. In this case, the paramecium is able to grow certain | + | Some [[species]] of paramecia, such as ''Paramecium bursaria'', form [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationships with [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] [[algae]]. In this case, the paramecium is able to grow certain algae within its own cytoplasm. Living inside of another organisms provides a safe habitat for the algae, unless food for the paramecium is scarce, in which case the algae will be consumed for nutrition. |
| − | == | + | ==Nucleus== |
| − | Paramecia are rare | + | Paramecia are rare among the [[eukaryotes]] in that they have two different types of nuclei within their [[cell (biology)|cell]]s. '''Micronuclei''' contain normal diploid [[chromosome]]s, divide by [[meiosis]], and undergo [[genetic recombination]]. '''Macronuclei''' are derived from the micronuclei, but contain multiple copies of the genome and the [[DNA]] is divided smaller than individual chromosomes (Raven and Johnson 1996). The macronucleus is responsible for everyday activities including growth and reproduction, and the micronucleus remains dormant until the cell reproduces. |
| − | ==Paramecium | + | ==Paramecium reproduction== |
| − | + | Most paramecia undergo cell division, ''binary fission'', dividing the cell into two new cells that rapidly grow and develop into the new organisms. This process can happen up to three times a day if the conditions are right. | |
| − | + | While paramicia usually reproduce asexually, when food supplies are low, they may reproduce through a form of conjugation, the transfer of [[gene|genetic]] material through cell-to-cell contact. Two paramecia fuse together, including the nuclei within each cell, after which they divide into four separate parts. In this division process, the organisms undergoes [[meiosis]], and the diploid micronucleus divides twice, resulting in four haploid micronclei. This combination of two different genetic individuals and mixing of chromosomes is the basis of [[sexual reproduction]]. Progeny from conjugation must reproduce asexually 50 times before they are able to perform conjugation, after which their biological clocks are restarted, allowing for conjugation. Death follows after about 100 generations, because of protein degradation around the gullet, which prevents them from finding a mate. | |
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| − | + | ==Taxonomy== | |
The division into [[species]] is still in flux—for instance, ''P. aurelia'' has recently been divided into 14 species—but the following are representative: | The division into [[species]] is still in flux—for instance, ''P. aurelia'' has recently been divided into 14 species—but the following are representative: | ||
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* ''P. woodruffi'' Wenrich, 1928 | * ''P. woodruffi'' Wenrich, 1928 | ||
| − | A number of doubtful | + | A number of doubtful species have also been recorded. |
| − | [[ | + | ==Paramecium ecology== |
| + | Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments, and are especially common in scums. Paramecia are attracted by acidic conditions, since they feed on [[bacteria]], which often slightly acidify their surroundings. They are an important link in the detrital [[food chain|food web]] in aquatic [[ecosystem]]s, feeding on bacteria and dead organic matter often associated with these bacteria, and being preyed upon by [[protist]]s and small [[animal]]s. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | *Margulis, L., H.I. McKhann, and L. Olendzenski. 1992. ''Illustrated Glossary of Protoctista''. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. | + | * Margulis, L., H. I. McKhann, and L. Olendzenski. 1992. ''Illustrated Glossary of Protoctista''. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. |
| − | + | * Raven, P. H., and G. B. Johnson. 1996. ''Biology.'' Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 4th ed. | |
| − | *Raven, P.H., | + | * Wichterman, R. 1986. ''The Biology of Paramecium''. New York: Plenum Press. |
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{{credit|50535651}} | {{credit|50535651}} | ||
Revision as of 00:55, 22 August 2006
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Paramecium is a well-known genus of ciliate protozoa (single-celled eukaryotes, generally grouped in the kindgom Protista) of the phylum Ciliophora, commonly studied as a representative of that group. Paramecia are unicellular and slipper-shaped organisms found in freshwater environments, ranging from 50 to 300 μm in length, depending on the species. Simple cilia, tiny hairlike filaments, cover the body, and there is a deep oral groove, containing inconspicuous compound oral cilia, as found in other peniculids (order of protozoa). These cilia aid in both movement and in moving food to the oral cavity.
Movement and feeding
The hair-like cilia that cover the outer body of the paramecium are in constant motion, helping the organism move along at a speed of four times its own length per second. As it moves forward, it rotates on its axis, which aids in pushing food into the gullet. It can move backwards by reversing the motion of the cilia.
Food enters the food vacuoles, which cilia push into the gullet in a process known as phagocytosis, and is digested with the aid of hydorchloric acid and enzymes (Raven and Johnson 1996). When digestion is complete, the remaining food content is emptied into pellicles, known as cytoproct. Osmoregulation is carried out by a pair of contractile vacuoles on either end of the cell, which actively expel water absorbed by osmosis from the surroundings.
Some species of paramecia, such as Paramecium bursaria, form symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae. In this case, the paramecium is able to grow certain algae within its own cytoplasm. Living inside of another organisms provides a safe habitat for the algae, unless food for the paramecium is scarce, in which case the algae will be consumed for nutrition.
Nucleus
Paramecia are rare among the eukaryotes in that they have two different types of nuclei within their cells. Micronuclei contain normal diploid chromosomes, divide by meiosis, and undergo genetic recombination. Macronuclei are derived from the micronuclei, but contain multiple copies of the genome and the DNA is divided smaller than individual chromosomes (Raven and Johnson 1996). The macronucleus is responsible for everyday activities including growth and reproduction, and the micronucleus remains dormant until the cell reproduces.
Paramecium reproduction
Most paramecia undergo cell division, binary fission, dividing the cell into two new cells that rapidly grow and develop into the new organisms. This process can happen up to three times a day if the conditions are right.
While paramicia usually reproduce asexually, when food supplies are low, they may reproduce through a form of conjugation, the transfer of genetic material through cell-to-cell contact. Two paramecia fuse together, including the nuclei within each cell, after which they divide into four separate parts. In this division process, the organisms undergoes meiosis, and the diploid micronucleus divides twice, resulting in four haploid micronclei. This combination of two different genetic individuals and mixing of chromosomes is the basis of sexual reproduction. Progeny from conjugation must reproduce asexually 50 times before they are able to perform conjugation, after which their biological clocks are restarted, allowing for conjugation. Death follows after about 100 generations, because of protein degradation around the gullet, which prevents them from finding a mate.
Taxonomy
The division into species is still in flux—for instance, P. aurelia has recently been divided into 14 species—but the following are representative:
- P. aurelia (Ehrenberg), 1838
- Paramecium bursaria (Ehrenberg) Focker, 1836
- P. calkinsi Woodruff, 1921
- P. caudatum Ehrenberg, 1838
- P. duboscqui Chatton and Brachon, 1933
- P. jenningsi Diller & Earl, 1958
- P. multimicronucleatum Powers & Mitchell, 1910
- P. nephridiatum von Gelei, 1925
- P. polycaryum Woodruff, 1923
- P. putrinum Claparede & Lachmann, 1858
- P. trichium Stokes, 1885
- P. woodruffi Wenrich, 1928
A number of doubtful species have also been recorded.
Paramecium ecology
Paramecia are widespread in freshwater environments, and are especially common in scums. Paramecia are attracted by acidic conditions, since they feed on bacteria, which often slightly acidify their surroundings. They are an important link in the detrital food web in aquatic ecosystems, feeding on bacteria and dead organic matter often associated with these bacteria, and being preyed upon by protists and small animals.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Margulis, L., H. I. McKhann, and L. Olendzenski. 1992. Illustrated Glossary of Protoctista. Boston: Jones and Bartlett.
- Raven, P. H., and G. B. Johnson. 1996. Biology. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 4th ed.
- Wichterman, R. 1986. The Biology of Paramecium. New York: Plenum Press.
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