AMOEBA
Scientific Name:Amoeba proteus
Crime Commented
An amoeba gets energy in the same way that you do - from its food.
An amoeba feeds by sending out 'bulges' of its cytoplasm, called pseudopodia, to surround a small food particle eg a smaller protozoan or an alga. The food, together with a small drop of the water is taken into the cell to become a food vacuole.
An amoeba feeds by sending out 'bulges' of its cytoplasm, called pseudopodia, to surround a small food particle eg a smaller protozoan or an alga. The food, together with a small drop of the water is taken into the cell to become a food vacuole.
Organism's M.O.
Amoeboid movement works by using something called cytoplasmic flow, or the force of the volume of fluid inside of the cell pulling the cell forward. Since the cell has no feet of its own, it essentially makes 'fake feet', known as pseudopodia.
Hang-Outs
Amoeba proteus is often found in relatively clean ponds with highly oxygenated fresh water. It is found in large “food webbed ecosystems” that contain many algae and plants. Due to its adversity to light, it will usually find refuge under anything that provides shade or dwell near the bottoms of ponds.
Be on the Lookout
When an amoeba is startled it immediately transforms into a star shape.
Sometimes amoebas will come together to form a big blob called a slime mold.
The name amoeba is derived from the Greek word ‘amoibe’, which means ‘to change’. Prior to that, amoeba was referred to as Proteus animalcule. Proteus is a Greek god, who could change shape.
Identifying Marks.
cell membrane - the thin layer of protein and fat that surrounds the amoeba; it allows some substances to pass into the cell, and blocks other substances.
contractile vacuole - a cavity within the amoeba that excretes excess water and waste; the waste is brought to the cell membrane and is then eliminated from the amoeba.
cytoplasm (ectoplasm and endoplasm) - a jelly-like material that fills most of the cell; the organelles (like the nucleus) are surrounded by cytoplasm.
food vacuole - a cavity within the amoeba in which food is digested (broken down in order to be absorbed by the amoeba).
contractile vacuole - a cavity within the amoeba that excretes excess water and waste; the waste is brought to the cell membrane and is then eliminated from the amoeba.
cytoplasm (ectoplasm and endoplasm) - a jelly-like material that fills most of the cell; the organelles (like the nucleus) are surrounded by cytoplasm.
food vacuole - a cavity within the amoeba in which food is digested (broken down in order to be absorbed by the amoeba).