There are several micronuclei, varying in number with the stages of the individuals cellular cycle (according to Roque, 4-5; according to Dragesco, 4-7). Furthermore, we observed that there are three micronuclei in recently divided individuals and that the ciliate vegetative adult generally has seven micronuclei although we have been able to count up to 12 in several specimens. In the cyst there is only one micronucleus which multiplies during encystment until there are eight micronuclei. When the ciliate excysts, one of these eight micronuclei is reabsorbed during the first process of division. The remaining seven are those of the youngest individuals, that have three or four micronuclei (depending on whether they are proter or opisthe). Each cell will continue multiplying its number of micronuclei to as many as 12. (ref. ID; 4386)