Answer to Question #230489 in Ecology for Jully Sofia Grace

Question

What osmotic problem does a paramecium face in it's habitat

Answer 1

Osmosis is the impulsive flow of solvent molecules from a lower-concentration solution to a higher-concentration solution across a semi-permeable membrane, such as the partially permeable membrane of a cell. One of the most significant ways that plants and animals establish equilibrium is through osmosis. 

As Paramecium resides in a pond, its body is hypertonic in comparison to the environment. Water will enter its body as a result of this. Paramecium's body will expand and eventually explode if it does not regulate the extra water. Paramecium possesses two contractile vacuoles that regulate the amount of water that enters its body. Once water enters its body, the contractile vacuole swells until it reaches its maximum size, at this point, it bursts and releases water into the environment. 

Therefore, the osmotic problem that a paramecium face in its habitat is that the Paramecium must obtain water from its hydrophobic surroundings. Contractile vacuoles are present to prevent the entrance of too much water from exploding. The contractile vacuoles serve to regulate osmosis and hence aid in the osmoregulation mechanism.