Paramecium aurelia

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Paramecium aurelia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: SAR
Clade: Alveolata
Phylum: Ciliophora
Class: Oligohymenophorea
Order:
Peniculida
Family: Parameciidae
Genus: Paramecium
Species:
P. aurelia
Binomial name
Paramecium aurelia

Paramecium aurelia

cryptic species complex was discovered by observation.[4] Since then, some have tried to decode this complex using genetic data.[5]

Physical characteristics

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 hydrochloric acid and enzymes (Raven and Johnson 1996).[full citation needed] 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.

Drawing of Paramecium aurelia and its parasites
Drawing of Paramecium aurelia and its parasites

Taxonomy

Paramecium aurelia is a species complex composed of 15 known species (syngens), which are[5][6]

Ecology

Scum of algae and cyanobacteria on water surface
Scum of algae and cyanobacteria on water surface

Paramecia are found in

detrital food web in aquatic ecosystems, eating bacteria and dead organic matter often associated with these bacteria, and being preyed on by protists
and small animals.

References

  1. ^ "Paramecium aurelia". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  2. ^ a b "Paramecium". 101 Science.com. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  3. ^
    PMID 16588168
    . Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  4. ^ Sonneborn, T. M. (1975) The Paramecium-aurelia complex of 14 sibling species. Transactions of American Microscope Society, 94: 155–178.
  5. ^
    PMID 19023087
    .
  6. ISSN 1066-5234
    .
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