Paramecium cell
According Beale; ‘one hypothesis suggests that
has been round even before the continents separated and has not moved; only continents have’. That is why the ciliated protozoa is readily found all over the world living in fresh water and feed on microscopic organisms such as bacteria and single-celled algae and move by propelling their cilia, back and forth in prompted quick succession (Beale & Preer., 2008: 16).
As one of the oldest primitive organisms on earth, Paramecia are among the first organisms used to clarify the Universal genetic code. It is still of much historical interest to geneticists, today, known to use a variant genetic code (UAA and UAG = Glu not stop). (Hames & Hooper, 2011: 252).
Paramecia have a macronucleus for basic cellular functions of growth and feeding with two or more micronucleus involved in sexual reproduction (Brock and Madigan, 2012: 623). Like most other single celled organism, they divide by binary fission. Occasionally, Paramecia exchange genetic material in a kind of primitive sexual reproduction using a parole cone like protuberance which passes gamete nuclei from one conjugate to another (Beale & Preer 2008; 26).
A peculiar behavioral response is demonstrated by Paramecia; when exposed to any physical or chemical stimuli they propel faster or discharge a spine-like structure from their outer coating called trichocyst at the stimulus as a protective defense measure against being pursued or devoured by predators (Beale & Preer 2008; 26).
Paramecia have numerous mitochondria in the cytoplasm containing hereditary material with genetic importance (Brock and Madigan, 2012: 87). Studying Paramecium cell has produced concepts that are widely accepted to advance knowledge leading to a better understanding of mechanisms like the muscle sliding filament phenomenon and the evolution of the neuronal functions of higher organisms.