What does an infusoria shoe look like?

The body of the ciliate is more complex. A thin elastic shell that covers the outside of the ciliate retains the constant shape of its body. This is also facilitated by well-developed supporting fibers, which are located in the cytoplasm layer adjacent to the membrane. On the surface of the body of the ciliate, there are about 15,000 oscillating cilia. At the base of each cilium lies a basal body. The movement of each cilium consists of a sharp wave in one direction and a slower, smooth return to its original position. The cilia oscillate about 30 times per second and, like oars, push the infusoria forward. The wave-like movement of the cilia is coordinated. When the ciliate-shoe floats, it slowly rotates around the longitudinal axis of the body.