Amoeba Characteristics and Cell Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of an amoeba's movement?

It is only possible at night

It is considered to be the most primitive form of animal locomotion (correct)

It is only possible in certain types of water

It is very fast and aggressive

What is the function of an amoeba's nucleus?

To control the amoeba's shape

To control the growth and reproduction of the amoeba (correct)

To protect the amoeba from its environment

To help the amoeba move

How do amoebas reproduce?

By fission, or splitting in two (correct)

By releasing spores

By laying eggs

By giving birth to live young

What is the purpose of an amoeba's cell membrane?

To allow oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to exit the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the amoeba's 'false feet'?

Pseudopodia Signup and view all the answers

How do amoebas engulf their food?

By using their pseudopodia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of an amoeba's cell?

Cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of an amoeba?

Protist Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of cytoplasm in amoeba cells?

It can change from a fluid to a solid state and back again Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the amoeba's false feet?

To capture food Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the way amoebas eat their prey?

They engulf their prey and then touch it Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely reason amoebas can find prey without touching it?

They have a chemical detection system Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disease caused by some amoebas?

Amoebic dysentery Signup and view all the answers

What is the mode of transmission of amoebic dysentery?

Through contaminated water Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for amoebic dysentery?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of amoebas that helps them eat prey of different types?

They can detect the speed of their prey Signup and view all the answers

Why did the author call amoebas 'shape-shifters'?

Because the amoeba can change its shape Signup and view all the answers

What is inside the cell of an amoeba?

A nucleus or several nuclei and cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

How do amoebas reproduce?

By splitting into two Signup and view all the answers

What does pseudopodia mean?

False feet Signup and view all the answers

How does an amoeba move?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What do amoebas eat?

Algae, bacteria, plant cells, and other unicellular organisms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amoeba Characteristics

Amoebas are unicellular organisms, consisting of only one cell.
They are too small to be seen without a microscope and are commonly found in ponds and lakes.
Amoebas are "shape-shifters" that can appear as a round blob, have feet, or have arms that can surround their food.
They are characterized by their flowing movements, considered the most primitive form of animal locomotion.

Amoeba Cell Structure

An amoeba's single cell appears to be cytoplasm held together by a flexible cell membrane.
The cell contains a nucleus, which controls the growth and reproduction of the amoeba.
Some species of amoebas have only one nucleus, while others may have hundreds of nuclei.
The cell membrane allows oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to exit the cell, enabling the amoeba to "breathe."

Amoeba Movement and Locomotion

Amoebas can change their shape by extending parts of themselves into pseudopodia.
They can flow in the direction they wish to go and engulf their food with their pseudopodia.
The cytoplasm can change from a fluid to a solid state and back again, enabling the amoeba to move and capture food.

Amoeba Diet and Nutrition

Amoebas eat algae, bacteria, plant cells, and other unicellular organisms.
They engulf or surround their prey and form a dome that makes escape impossible.
Amoebas seem to use different engulfing tactics to suit the various types of prey.

Amoeba as Parasites

Some amoebas are parasites that can cause diseases such as amoebic dysentery.
Amoebic dysentery is transmitted by contaminated water and can cause severe diarrhea and liver infection.
The disease can be treated with antibiotics.