Paramecium Conjugation

Young love.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Paramecium
• Caudatum
• Conjugation

[BirdWhisperer46]

Bruce, do you know where gene transfer takes place in paramecium? What part of the bodies touching?

[BruceDSTaylor]

@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]

@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.

[ImApoloto99]

Sweet! What kind of microscope did you use?

[BruceDSTaylor]

@ImApoloto99 An inexpensive Chinese knock-off of a standard trinocular laboratory scope (purchased online from a discount microscope clearinghouse).

[BirdWhisperer46]

@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)

[ImApoloto99]

@BruceDSTaylor Well, at least it works properly :P

[theeReddVision]

aww, nice music haha