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Activity 5.6 — Nutrition in Paramecium

NCERT Activity 5.6: Observe how Paramecium feeds — cilia sweep food into the oral groove, through the gullet, into a food vacuole for digestion (holozoic nutrition).

How To Perform

1

Cilia Sweep Food

Rhythmic cilia beat creates water currents toward the oral groove.

2

Food Enters Oral Groove

Food particles slide down the oral groove to the gullet.

3

Food Vacuole Forms

A food vacuole pinches off from the gullet into the cytoplasm.

4

Circulation & Digestion

Vacuole circulates; enzymes digest; waste exits cytopyge.

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Observe Paramecium under a microscope — handle slides carefully.
  • Use a dropper to transfer culture; avoid direct contact with pond water.