Paramecium Under Microscope (Low Magnification) 2) High Magnification (400x) of Paramecium
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The numbering in the image is 1) and 3). The corrected text is:
- Paramecium Under Microscope (Low Magnification) –
- High Magnification (400x) of Paramecium
Explanation
The provided image contrasts two different microscopic views of Paramecium, a genus of single-celled ciliate protozoa. These organisms are commonly found in freshwater environments and are a classic subject for biological study due to their size and complex internal structure.
The first image, labeled “Paramecium Under Microscope (Low Magnification),” offers a wide field of view. It shows a multitude of Paramecia scattered across the slide. At this lower power, individual organisms appear as small, elongated specks. This perspective is essential for initially locating the specimens and observing their population density and general swimming patterns. While the characteristic slipper-like shape is vaguely discernible, detailed internal features are not visible. This view provides context and serves as a starting point for more detailed examination.
The second image, The object highlighted by the circle in the low-magnification view is a piece of decaying organic matter, commonly referred to as detritus. This material, which could be a fragment of a leaf or stem from a culture medium like a hay infusion, plays a pivotal role in this aquatic environment. It is not merely inert debris; rather, it functions as the foundational energy source for a miniature food web.
This piece of organic matter serves as a rich nutrient substrate for immense populations of bacteria and certain types of fungi. These decomposers colonize the surface of the detritus, releasing enzymes to break down its complex organic molecules, such as cellulose, into simpler compounds they can absorb. This decomposition process is essential for nutrient cycling and fuels the explosive growth of these microscopic decomposer populations.
The concentration of Paramecia around this fragment is a direct result of this activity. Paramecia are heterotrophic ciliates that obtain energy by consuming other organisms. While the piece of detritus itself is far too large for a Paramecium to ingest, the single-celled ciliate is perfectly adapted to hunt the abundant bacteria flourishing upon it. Using the thousands of tiny, hair-like cilia that cover its body and line its oral groove, a Paramecium generates water currents. These currents sweep bacteria and other small food particles toward its cell mouth (cytostome) and into its gullet (cytopharynx), where they are enclosed in food vacuoles for digestion.
Thus, the decaying matter acts as a “feeding ground,” concentrating the bacterial food source and, consequently, attracting the Paramecia. Observing this scene at low magnification provides crucial ecological context, revealing the feeding behavior and habitat preferences of these protists. This view complements the high-magnification image, which shifts the focus to the intricate cellular anatomy of an individual organism. Together, the two views offer a comprehensive biological portrait, illustrating both the organism’s structure and its vital interactions within its environment. labeled “High Magnification (400x) of Paramecium,” presents a drastic shift in perspective. It zooms in on a single Paramecium, revealing its intricate internal anatomy with remarkable clarity. The magnification of 400 times the actual size allows for the identification of specific organelles. The translucent body showcases several circular structures; these are likely food vacuoles, where digestion occurs, and contractile vacuoles, which are larger and regulate water content by expelling excess water from the cell. The cell’s complex cytoplasm and a large, central macronucleus may also be observed. The bright outline against a dark background suggests the use of a specialized illumination technique like dark-field or phase-contrast microscopy, which enhances the contrast of transparent living cells.
Together, these two views demonstrate a fundamental principle of microscopy: starting with a low-power scan to find the subject, followed by switching to high power to study its fine details. This progression allows for a comprehensive analysis of the microscopic world, moving from a broad overview to a detailed close-up.thumb_upthumb_down
