Question 5 - Sexual Reproduction in Paramecium Flashcards
Explain the sexual cycle of Paramecium using a drawing.
If they go through asexual reproduction, what is the most likely strategy?
Paramecium is asexual binary fission in which a fully grown organism divides into two daughter cells.
Asexual reproduction takes place when ample nutrients are available
During binary fission, one paramecium cell divides into two genetically identical offspring, or daughter cells. According to Forney, the micronucleus undergoes mitosis, but the macronucleus divides another way, called an amitotic, or non-mitotic, mechanism. “It is not based on mitosis but it [macronucleus] divides between the two cells and somehow is able to keep approximately the same number of copies of each gene,” he said.
What are some reasons Paramecium or other protist would want to undergo sexual reproduction?
they reproduce sexually too, when there is a scarcity of food
-nuclear reorganization (new metabolic active macronucleus is produced by reorganization of micro nuclear materials.)
-Rejuvenation (weak & defective macronucleus is replaced. Thus paramecium is rejuvenated gaining previous vigor & increases its vitality)
-genetic variation (brings variation in daughter individuals due to genetic recombination)
-homozygous offsprings are produced in self fertilization
