Difference between Macronucleus and Micronucleus of Paramecium

 Difference between Macronucleus and Micronucleus of Paramecium

Paramecium is a unicellular ciliated protozoan. It is characterized by its slipper-shaped body and the presence of thousands of cilia covering its surface. Paramecium is a heterotroph, meaning that it must feed on other organisms for energy. It is found in freshwater and brackish habitats. You can watch our Paramecium Cell Structure Video here

Macronucleus	Micronucleus
Larger in size; therefore called “macro”	Smaller in size, therefore called “micro”
One	One or two
Somatic functions, such as metabolism and reproduction or vegetative nucleus	Genetic functions, such as meiosis and conjugation or germline generative nucleus
Polyploid	Diploid
More DNA content	Less DNA content
It is essential for survival	Not essential for survival

The macronucleus is essential for the survival of the paramecium, while the micronucleus is not. If the macronucleus is removed, the paramecium will die within a few days. If the micronucleus is removed, the paramecium can survive, but it will not be able to reproduce.

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