@BirdWhisperer46 Basically, the cells come together and form a cytoplasmic link, bridging the membranes. As you may know, ciliates have two kinds of nucleus: macro & micro. In conjugation, the micronucleus divides (meiosis) & the haploid micronuclei drift from one cell to the other. Once they cross over, they fuse with their partner's haploids to make a new micronucleus. Then the macronucleus dissolves, & a new one is formed in each cell. They split up, & go on living and dividing.
@BirdWhisperer46 Hmm....I just realized, I didn't really answer the question, LOL. If you look closely, you can see the "bridge" is just a bit forward of the cytostome. When I made this video, I was more concerned with making a steamy love-scene than w/ showing the cytoplasmic link. I'll look through my "outtakes" and see if there's one that shows it more clearly.
@BruceDSTaylor [you can see the "bridge" is just a bit forward of the cytostome] OK, I think I saw it, but if you have a better view, I'd love to see it. :o)
Bruce, do you know where gene transfer takes place in paramecium? What part of the bodies touching?
BirdWhisperer46 4 months ago
@BirdWhisperer46 Basically, the cells come together and form a cytoplasmic link, bridging the membranes. As you may know, ciliates have two kinds of nucleus: macro & micro. In conjugation, the micronucleus divides (meiosis) & the haploid micronuclei drift from one cell to the other. Once they cross over, they fuse with their partner's haploids to make a new micronucleus. Then the macronucleus dissolves, & a new one is formed in each cell. They split up, & go on living and dividing.
BruceDSTaylor 4 months ago
@BirdWhisperer46 Hmm....I just realized, I didn't really answer the question, LOL. If you look closely, you can see the "bridge" is just a bit forward of the cytostome. When I made this video, I was more concerned with making a steamy love-scene than w/ showing the cytoplasmic link. I'll look through my "outtakes" and see if there's one that shows it more clearly.
BruceDSTaylor 4 months ago
@BruceDSTaylor [you can see the "bridge" is just a bit forward of the cytostome] OK, I think I saw it, but if you have a better view, I'd love to see it. :o)
BirdWhisperer46 4 months ago
Sweet! What kind of microscope did you use?
ImApoloto99 4 months ago
@ImApoloto99 An inexpensive Chinese knock-off of a standard trinocular laboratory scope (purchased online from a discount microscope clearinghouse).
BruceDSTaylor 4 months ago
@BruceDSTaylor Well, at least it works properly :P
ImApoloto99 4 months ago
aww, nice music haha
theeReddVision 1 year ago