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PARAMECIUM |
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SCIENTIFIC NAME |
Paramecium aurelia;
Paramecium caudatum |
|
GENERAL |
Paramecium are
oval-shaped organisms with their surface covered with cilia.
They rotate as they travel forward through the water. |
|
REPRODUCTION |
Asexually by
transverse division or sexually by conjugation. Paramecium aurelia
may divide 5 times a day while Paramecium caudatum may divide
only 3 times. |
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CARE |
|
CULTURE VESSEL |
Any clean glass container
with a cover to protect from dust will do. Clean the container
and all transfer droppers with hot water and 70% rubbing alcohol.
Rinse thoroughly in clean water. |
|
TEMPERATURE (F) |
Water should
be 68-76 degrees. |
|
pH |
Neutral to slightly
alkaline. |
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LIGHT |
Normal lighting
conditions without direct light and no sunlight. |
|
CULTURE MEDIUM |
Use boiled spring water or boiled aquarium water in each of the following methods: 1) Pour 200 mL water into a culture dish and add 8 boiled wheat grains. Allow to cool for 6 hours and add paramecium. Subdivide the culture every 2-4 weeks to prevent overcrowding. 2) Add one Carolina Biological Protozoan Pellet (item #13-2360 Protozoan Pellet from www.carolina.com) to 1000 mL of water and allow the pellet to disintegrate (Make sure that the water has cooled BEFORE adding the pellet). Divide the liquid and residue into 150-200 mL amounts in each of several culture dishes. Add the paramecium and 2-4 boiled grains. Subdivide the culture every 2-4 weeks to prevent overcrowding. |
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