Question

macronucleus of paramicium

Answer 1

Paramecia have two kinds of nuclei: a large ellipsoidal nucleus called amacronucleus and at least one small nucleus called amicronucleus. Both types of nuclei contain the full complement of genes that bear the hereditary information of the organism. The organism cannot survive without the macronucleus; it cannot reproduce without the micronucleus. 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).