explain the structure of amoeba
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Answer:
Structure of amoeba primarily encompasses 3 parts – the cytoplasm, plasma membrane and the nucleus. ... The plasma membrane is a very thin, double-layered membrane composed of protein and lipid molecules
Amoeba is a unicellular organism that has the ability to change its shape. They are usually found in water bodies such as ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers. Sometimes, these unicellular organisms can also make their way inside the human body and cause various illnesses.
One of the first reports referencing amoebas dates can be traced back to 18th century. A German naturalist named August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof who discovered a specimen and made detailed illustrations of the same in 1755.
STRUCTURE OF AMOEBA
Typically, most amoebas are characterized by the following features:
Movement occurs through the use of pseudopodia, where the cytoplasm pushes the plasma membrane outward or inward, creating blunt, finger-like projections.
There can be multiple pseudopodia at one particular instance, hence, its shape rapidly changes.
Structure of amoeba primarily encompasses 3 parts – the cytoplasm, plasma membrane and the nucleus.
The cytoplasm can be differentiated into 2 layers – the outer ectoplasm and the inner endoplasm
The plasma membrane is a very thin, double-layered membrane composed of protein and lipid molecules.
Amoeba also contains other cellular organelles such as a contractile vacuole, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and fat globules.
Amoeba consumes food either through the process of phagocytosis or pinocytosis.
The process of reproduction is through asexual means, such as binary fission.
The lifespan of a typical amoeba is 2 days, but because it undergoes binary fission, the resultant daughter cells are the same as its parent cell, so technically, amoebas can be termed as immortal.
When living conditions are not ideal, an amoeba can essentially transform itself into a protective ball, called a microbial cyst. When living conditions become better, it can revert back to its trophozoite stage, where it can start feeding again.
