Asexual Reproduction of Paramecium

Paramecium, like other ciliates, usually

reproduces by splitting in two, forming two virtually
identical individuals from one organism. Most
ciliates divide transversely, splitting in two by
pinching off in the middle of the long axis of the
organism, as can be seen in the photo. The
macronucleus does not divide by mitosis, rather it
elongates and then splits in two, roughly one half
going to the each of the new daughter cells. This
type of reproduction involves no exchange of
genetic material, and is a type of asexual
reproduction. This form of asexual reproduction is
often called 'fission'.
Sexual Reproduction of Paramecium
Under certain conditions, such as overcrowding or
environmental stress, Paramecium turns from
strictly asexual reproduction to sexual
reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves the
exchange of genetic material between two
individuals of different 'mating strains'. Through a
process called conjugation, two paramecia line up
side by side and then fuse together. All but one of
the cell's micronuclei disintegrate. This
micronucleus then divides* into four one of
which will be exchanged during conjugation.
(* This process involves meiosis, where the diploid
micronucleus divides twice to yield four haploid
micronuclei. Three of these disintegrate, while one
divides again to produce two swapping haploid
micronuclei.)

Each mate then swaps one haploid micronucleus

with its partner. The new micronucleus fuses with
the old to make a diploid micronucleus. It
represents a combination of genetic material
derived from two genetically different individuals.
This chromosome mixing is the basic principle of
sexual reproduction. The two mates then separate
and go on their way in their watery environment.
They begin again to produce multiple copies of
themselves through asexual fission.