How a Paramecium captures its food:-
Detection: Paramecia are primarily carnivorous, feeding on bacteria, algae, and other small microorganisms. They detect food particles using their cilia, which create water currents around the organism, helping to bring food particles close to the cell.
Oral Groove: Once a food particle is detected, the Paramecium extends its oral groove, which is a specialized structure resembling a furrow or a trench on its surface. The oral groove is lined with cilia that beat rhythmically, creating a current that directs food particles toward the cell's mouth, called the cytostome.
Ingestion: As food particles are swept into the oral groove, they accumulate near the cytostome. The cilia lining the groove continue to beat, pushing the food particles into the cytostome.
Vacuole Formation: Once inside the cytostome, the food particles are enclosed within a small membrane-bound structure called a food vacuole. This vacuole pinches off from the cytostome and moves into the cytoplasm of the Paramecium.
Digestion: Within the food vacuole, digestive enzymes break down the food particles into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the Paramecium for nutrition.
Excretion: After digestion is complete, the indigestible remnants are expelled from the Paramecium through a structure called the anal pore.
Overall, the capture and ingestion of food in Paramecium are facilitated by the coordinated action of cilia and specialized structures like the oral groove and cytostome, allowing these microorganisms to feed efficiently.
