Amoeba Characteristics and Classification

Questions and Answers

How does an ameba move?

The ameba has an unusual way of creeping along by stretching its cytoplasm into fingerlike extensions.

What structure contains the ameba's DNA?

The nucleus contains the ameba's DNA.

When an ameba engulfs a particle of food a ______________________ is formed.

Food Vacuole

How does an ameba reproduce?

In order to reproduce, the ameba goes through mitosis, where the nucleus duplicates its genetic material and the cytoplasm splits into two new daughter cells, each identical to the original parent. This method of reproduction is called binary fission. Signup and view all the answers

During unfavorable conditions, an ameba forms a?

Cyst Signup and view all the answers

Fingerlike extensions of the ameba's cytoplasm are called _______________________

Pseudopods Signup and view all the answers

What disease is caused by the ameba?

Amebic Dysentery Signup and view all the answers

To what Kingdom does the ameba belong?

Protista Signup and view all the answers

How are protozoans classified?

Protozoans are classified by how they move. Signup and view all the answers

The word 'ameba' means ___________________________________

Change Signup and view all the answers

The process of engulfing food particles is called __________________________________

Phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

Is an ameba considered a plant-like protist or an animal-like protist?

Animal-like Protist Signup and view all the answers

Are euglena unicellular or multicellular?

Unicellular Signup and view all the answers

What Kingdom do euglena belong to?

Protista Signup and view all the answers

What Phylum do euglena belong to?

Euglenophyta Signup and view all the answers

What organelle carries out photosynthesis?

Chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

Is the flagella located at the anterior or posterior end?

The flagellum is located on the anterior (front) end. Signup and view all the answers

Define autotrophic.

Organisms which are photosynthetic. They are able to use sunlight energy to make their own food (in the form of glucose). Signup and view all the answers

Define heterotrophic.

Organisms which obtain their organic material by feeding on compounds produced by other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

When a euglena becomes heterotrophic, how does it obtain nutrients?

Euglena obtain nutrients by absorbing them across their cell membrane when there is little sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What helps the euglena keep its shape?

The euglena has a stiff pellicle outside the cell membrane that helps it keep its shape. Signup and view all the answers

What is the eyespot used for?

The eyespot detects light which helps the euglena find bright areas to gather sunlight to make their food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus?

The nucleus contains the cell's DNA and controls the cell's activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleolus?

To produce ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the contractile vacuole?

The contractile vacuole helps the cell remove excess water. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if the euglena did not have a contractile vacuole?

Without it, the euglena could take in so much water due to osmosis that the cell would explode. Signup and view all the answers

Is the paramecium a unicellular or multicellular organism?

Unicellular Signup and view all the answers

To what Phylum and Kingdom do paramecium belong?

Kingdom Protista and Phylum Ciliophora Signup and view all the answers

What do paramecium eat?

Paramecium feed on algal scum and other microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

How do all members of the Phylum Ciliophora move?

Paramecium move by tiny hair-like projections called cilia. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the paramecium change shape like the ameba?

The paramecium cannot change its shape like the ameba because it has a thick outer membrane called the pellicle. Signup and view all the answers

What do the macronucleus and micronucleus do?

The large nucleus is called the macronucleus which controls respiration, protein synthesis and digestion. The micronucleus is used during reproduction and makes the exchange of DNA between paramecium possible. Signup and view all the answers

Define conjugation.

The method of sexual reproduction in paramecium in which the exchange of DNA takes place when two paramecium lie side by side and join at the mouth pore. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ameba Characteristics

Amoebas move using pseudopods, which are extensions of their cytoplasm that allow them to creep along surfaces.
The nucleus of the ameba houses its DNA, essential for genetic information and cell function.
When amoebas engulf food particles, they form a food vacuole, where digesting occurs.

Reproduction and Survival

Amoebas reproduce asexually through binary fission, where the nucleus divides, and the cytoplasm splits into two identical daughter cells.
In unfavorable conditions, amoebas can form a cyst as a protective measure to survive until conditions improve.

Classification and Habitat

Amoebas belong to the Kingdom Protista and are classified based on their mode of movement.
The term "ameba" is derived from the Greek word meaning "change," reflecting their ability to alter shape.

Feeding and Metabolism

The process of engulfing food is known as phagocytosis, enabling amoebas to feed on microorganisms.
Amoebas are considered animal-like protists due to their heterotrophic nature, feeding on other organisms.

Euglena Overview

Euglena are unicellular organisms that also belong to the Kingdom Protista, specifically in the Phylum Euglenophyta.
Euglena possess chloroplasts, allowing them to perform photosynthesis and produce their own food.

Structure and Function

The flagellum, which aids in movement, is located at the anterior (front) end of euglena.
Euglena can switch to a heterotrophic mode of nutrition by absorbing nutrients when sunlight is scarce, demonstrating adaptability.

Specialized Features

The stiff pellicle outside the euglena cell membrane maintains its shape and structural integrity.
An eyespot in euglena detects light, guiding them toward areas with sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.

Paramecium Insights

Paramecia are unicellular organisms belonging to the Kingdom Protista and Phylum Ciliophora.
They consume algal scum and microorganisms, primarily using cilia for movement.

Movement and Shape

All members of the Phylum Ciliophora move using cilia, hair-like projections that facilitate locomotion.
Paramecium cannot change shape like ameba due to the rigidity of their pellicle, a thick outer membrane.

Nuclei Functions

Paramecium have two types of nuclei: the macronucleus controls vital functions like respiration and feeding, while the micronucleus plays a key role in reproduction and genetic exchange.

Conjugation Process

Conjugation is a form of sexual reproduction in paramecia, involving the alignment and exchange of genetic material between two cells.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of amoebas, their unique characteristics, reproductive methods, and survival strategies. Learn how these single-celled organisms move, feed, and adapt to various environments within the Kingdom Protista.