NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Through a process called conjugation, two paramecia line up side by side and then fuse together. Where they fuse is called a cytoplasmic bridge. The diploid micronucleus undergoes meiosis and forms four micronuclei. All but one of the cell’s micronuclei disintegrates.

Detailed explanation-2: -Therefore conjugation in paramoecium involves the exchange of micronuclei. Protozoans are heterotrophs and live as predators or parasites. These organisms live in freshwater, seawater, or moist soil. They move and capture their prey by putting out pseudopodia.

Detailed explanation-3: -In mitosis it divides by fission, and in conjugation a pair of gamete micronuclei undergo reciprocal fusion to form a zygote nucleus, which gives rise to the macronuclei and micronuclei of the individuals of the next cycle of fission.

Detailed explanation-4: -Genetic variation: In conjugation, genetic materials are exchanged between Paramecium of opposite mating types. It brings variation in daughter individuals due to genetic recombination.

Detailed explanation-5: -The macronucleus is the centre of all metabolic activities of the organism. The micronucleus is a storage site for the germline genetic material of the organism. It gives rise to the macronucleus and is responsible for the genetic reorganization that occurs during conjugation (cross-fertilization).