Question

Ciliates have complex internal structures involved in different functional systems. Which organelles aid in their digestion process?

Answer 1

Most ciliates feed on smaller organisms (heterotrophic), such as bacteria and algae, and detritus swept into the oral groove (mouth) by modified oral cilia. This usually includes a series of membranelles to the left of the mouth and a paroral membrane to its right, both of which arise from polykinetids, groups of many cilia together with associated structures. The food is moved by the cilia through the mouth pore into the gullet, which forms food vacuoles.