Paramecium bursaria. Light micrograph of the slipper-shaped ciliate,Paramecium bursaria. It is a one-celled protozoan. Many smaller green cells can be seen within the body of this Paramecium. These are cells of a green alga,probably Chlorella,living symbiotically within the organism. These symbiotic algae photosynthesize and provide energy,carbon,nitrogen and oxygen that the animal may use; in return the alga obtains carbon dioxide,ammonia,salts and shelter. Paramecium commonly inhabit both water and soil. They move about by beating fine hairs,called cilia,seen here outside the body. Magnification: x110 at 35mm size |