How does paramecium move?

Paramecium cell moves using the tiny hair-like structures called cilia

Paramecium cell moves and collects food using the tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia are in constant motion and help paramecium move around. Paramecium can swim as fast as four times its body length per second. Paramecium can also change its direction by beating the cilia in a reverse way.

[In this figure] The anatomy of a Paramecium cell.

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[In this figure] Stroke pattern of cilia on a Paramecium.
The movement of cilia can be divided into Effective (forward) and Recovery (backward) stroke. Two kinds of strokes alternately repeat to propel the body of paramecium as we swim in the front crawl style.

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Entended read:

The Structure of Paramecium Cell

This article covers

• The anatomy of paramecium
  • Paramecium wears a soft armor, called pellicle
  • Paramecium’s skin is covered by many tiny hairs, called cilia
  • The microscopic view of cilia
  • The structure of pellicle and cilia
  • See how cilia do the wave
• How fast can a paramecium move?
• How does a paramecium eat?
  • Oral Groove
  • Cytostome, Cytopharynx, and Food Vacuole
• Does a paramecium make a poo?
  • Anal Pore
• The specialized “Skin” of paramecium cell body
  • Ectoplasm and endoplasm
  • Trichocyst
• What is inside the cell body of a paramecium?
  • Cytoplasm and organelles
• Paramecium is powered by a dual-core CPU – Macronucleus and Micronucleus
  • Micronucleus
  • Macronucleus
  • The function of Micronucleus and Macronucleus
• Two kinds of vacuoles which are vital for paramecium
  • Contractile vacuoles act as water pumps for osmoregulation
  • How do contractile vacuoles work?
  • Food vacuoles