The nucleus plays the same part in the life of the single celled organisms as it does in the cells of the Metazoa and Metaphyta. It appears to influence in a certain manner all, or at least most, of the processes of life, such as motility, regeneration, growth, and generally also digestion. Its principal influence, however, is exercised in the propagation of the cells, as this is always brought about by the nucleus.
The PROPAGATION of the Protozoa is effected either by division or by means of direct budding. In division, which is preceded by direct or indirect (mitotic) division of the nucleus, the body separates into two, several, or even a great many segments. In this process the entire substance of the body is involved, or a small residual fragment may be left, which does not undergo further division and finally perishes. In the budding method of multiplication a large number of buds are formed, either on the surface or in the interior of the organism. Where divisions or buddings follow one another rapidly, without the segments separating immediately after their production, numerous forms develop, which are often unlike the parental forms, and these are termed swarm spores or spores. Divisions imperfectly accomplished lead to the formation of protozoal colonies.
Sometimes encystment[9] takes place previous to division. Frequently, also, sexual processes appear, such as the union of two similar (isogamous) or dissimilar (anisogamous) individuals. In the latter case sexual dimorphism occurs, with the formation of males (microgametes) and of females (macrogametes). The union may be permanent (copulation), the process being comparable with the fertilisation of the ovum by a spermatozoon. On the other hand, attachment may be transient (conjugation) when, after the exchange of portions of the nucleus, the couple separate, to multiply independently of each other. Sometimes there is an ALTERNATION OF GENERATIONS, as there may be several methods of propagation combined in the same species, either direct multiplication, conjugation, or copulation being practised; the different generations may thus, in certain cases, be unlike morphologically.
[9] Independently of propagation, many protozoa protect themselves from death by encystment when the water in which they are living dries up; in this condition the wind may carry them over wide tracts of land.