Download Reproduce It has the ability to produce offsprings by means of

Reproduce
It has the ability to produce offsprings by means of sexual and asexual reproduction. The former type is
observed only under unfavorable environmental conditions; whereas asexual reproduction is
predominant in all paramecium strains. Read the following information for better understanding of
asexual and sexual reproduction in paramecium:
Asexual Reproduction
The type of asexual reproduction exhibited by paramecium is called binary fission. Over here, a single
cell divides into two equal halves, each of which becomes a separate paramecium cell. To be more
precise, a paramecium cell consists of two nuclei - micronucleus (small) and macronucleus (large). The
smaller nucleus serves as the signaling organelle for asexual reproduction in paramecium. When the
environmental conditions are favorable, the smaller nucleus divides into two. These nuclei moves to
either end of the cell. Following movement of the small nuclei to the opposite poles, the larger nucleus
divides into two. After this, the cell divides transversely in the middle. The final outcome is two similar
paramecium offsprings, each having half of the cell organelles of the parent cell. Know more on
organisms that reproduce asexually.
Sexual Reproduction
As mentioned already, paramecium occasionally reproduces by sexual means, particularly when the cell
is exposed to stressful conditions. For this process to take place, two paramecium cells should come
together. When this happens, the cells align side by side and remain attached to each other. The
micronucleus in each of the fused cells divide by meiosis, leading to formation of four haploid nuclei.
Out of these, 3 are aborted and only one survives in each cell. The surviving micronucleus again divides
mitotically and forms two nuclei. The two paramecium cells exchange one haploid micronucleus and
they separate. It is the meiosis division that leads to exchange of genetic material. This sexual
reproduction in paramecium is known as conjugation.
There is no specific paramecium reproduction cycle as such. In favorable conditions, paramecium can
undergo asexual multiplication for at least three times a day. Besides increased rate of multiplication,
some paramecium strains form symbiotic association with bacteria and algae, which again enhances the
survival rate. The algal component provides food to host paramecium by undergoing photosynthesis.
While in case of bacterial symbiont, it releases toxic substances that kill prospective preys.
Paramecium reproduces through mitosis, since it is a single celled Eukaryote. I suppose it is not
called "mitosis," but rather "asexual reproduction," but it uses the same processes.
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Reproduce