Single-celled protozoan (Paramecium caudatum) Science Image

Ref: 15929g



Paramecium. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the single-celled protozoan, Paramecium caudatum. This ciliate animal has cilia on its cell membrane surface enabling it to swim with an upwards, spiralling motion. It is an elongated oval shape with the groove of its mouth seen at centre. Paramecium is found mainly in stagnant ponds, feeding on bacteria and plant particles. They breed by transverse cell division into two identical cells, while conjugation may occur when two paramecia fuse to facilitate mixing of genetic material. Magnification: x485 at 5x7cm size.