Paramecium
Paramecium
Paramecium (pronunciation: /ˌparəˈmiːʃ(i)əm/) is a genus of unicellular ciliated protozoan and Bacterium under the phylum Ciliophora. They are common in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments and are often very abundant in stagnant basins and ponds.
Etymology
The term "Paramecium" was coined in the 18th century by the English microscopist John Hill, who applied the Latin word paramecium, meaning "oblong," to describe its shape.
Description
Paramecia are slipper-shaped or oblong and are covered in cilia, which are short hair-like structures. These cilia are used in locomotion and feeding. Paramecia are heterotrophs, which means they must consume food for their energy. They eat bacteria and other small cells, and they are eaten by larger organisms, such as amoebas and small animals.
Reproduction
Paramecia reproduce asexually, by binary fission. During binary fission, the paramecium splits in half, producing two new cells. Paramecia can also reproduce sexually through a process called conjugation, where two paramecia join together and exchange genetic material.
Related Terms
- Ciliophora: The phylum that Paramecium belongs to.
- Binary Fission: A method of asexual reproduction that involves the splitting of a parent cell into two approximately equal parts.
- Conjugation: A form of sexual reproduction in which two cells join together to exchange genetic material.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Paramecium
- Wikipedia's article - Paramecium
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