Paramecium conjugation, differential interference contrast (DIC) light micrograph. Paramecia are unicellular ciliate organisms that are known for their ability to exchange genetic material through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, two paramecia come into contact and form a temporary union known as a conjugation bridge. Through this bridge, genetic material is exchanged between the two cells. The process begins with one of the cells, which is referred to as the donor cell, sending out a small piece of its genetic material called a micronucleus into the conjugation bridge. The micronucleus contains a subset of the genetic information of the cell. The other cell, which is referred to as the recipient cell, takes up the micronucleus and incorporates its genetic material into its own genome. At the same time, the recipient cell sends a copy of its own genetic material, including its complete genome, to the donor cell through the conjugation bridge. Once the genetic material exchange is complete, the conjugation bridge is broken, and the two cells separate. The cells then go through a period of cellular division, during which the newly incorporated genetic material is replicated and passed on to daughter cells. Through this process of genetic material exchange, paramecia are able to increase genetic diversity within their population and acquire new genetic traits that can be beneficial for survival and adaptation. Conjugation is also a way for cells to repair damaged or mutated DNA by exchanging the damaged genes with those from a healthy cell. Genetic material exchange in paramecium allows for the acquisition of new genetic information and contributes to the diversity and adaptability of this group of organisms.