These large paramecia are an ideal unicellular organism for study under a compound microscope. Visible are internal organalles (contractile vacuoles, macronucleous, food vacuoles, oral groove, etc.) and also their external beating cilia, using 100–200x magnification. Motility is by use of cilia and they can be observed to move forwards, backwards and to roll and twist as they navigate around food sources. They can be slowed down using methyl cellulose or by dehydration of the slide, and are ideal for biological drawing exercises and assessments.
Use within a few days.
Classification: Ciliates. Paramecium caudatum.
Size: Approx 0.3mm
Optimal temperature: 22oC
Quantity: One culture (over 100 organisms) is sufficient for a class of 30 students (used over a few days).
Similar products: See also Daphnia live culture and Daphnia live culture 8-pack.
Care
Once they arrive, keep them with the lid partially off, in a cool location (23-23 degrees C max.) and out of direct sunlight (but not in a fridge). Ensure they have arrived in a viable state by holding the pottle in the light (but against a dark background) and viewing the tiny, white ‘dancing’ specks through a magnifying glass. Use within a few days.
Shipping Notes
Delivered live to physical, attended addresses.
Dispatched Mondays and Tuesdays (10am cut-off), school terms only.
Living organisms are priority shipped (usually overnight) to minimise delays, stress on the creatures and potential losses. Rural delivery may incur extra costs.
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