Amoeba

Amoeba are the simplest form of life and are found in oceans, streams, lakes, ponds, and wet soil. The word amoeba is derived from the Greek word amoibe which means change. Amoeba live in a changing environment where they must adapt to survive. Amoeba are single-celled organisms that can reproduce by simple division. This means that, instead of replicating in the same manner as more complex cells, amoeba reproduces by splitting into two that duplicate all of the original cell's genetic info. In this article, you will learn about the amoeba structure and function, as well as amoeba features. And in the end, we will learn about some facts about amoeba.

Amoeba 

What is Amoeba?

Amoeba is a single-celled organism with the ability to change shape. They are typically found in bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. These unicellular organisms can sometimes make their way inside the human body and cause a variety of ailments. One of the first reports mentioning amoebas dates back to the 18th century. In 1755, a German naturalist called August Johann Rosel von Rosenhof discovered an amoeba.

Amoeba Structure and Function

Amoeba is a shapeless and colourless single-celled microorganism. It has a jelly-like structure, and it changes its shape. Its body is asymmetrical in shape. Its size is very small and can only be seen under the microscope. Its size ranges from $\dfrac{1}{20}$ mm to 0.1 mm. 

If you closely look at the amoeba structure, you will see finger-like projections called pseudopods (pseudopodia), which help in the movement and as well as in intake of food. The pseudopods are the extensions of the cytoplasm. 

Amoeba also contains other cell organelles such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and fat globules. 

Below is a labelled amoeba diagram:

Parts of Amoeba

Parts of Amoeba

The cell of amoeba consists of the following parts:

1. Cell Membrane:  This is n layer of protein and fat that surrounds the amoeba. It allows the flow of substances in and out of the cell.

2. Nucleus: It is the brain of the Amoeba. It contains genetic material for its growth and manages Amoeba's whole functioning.

3. Vacuoles: These are air sacs in the cytoplasm of Amoeba. There are three types of vacuole in Amoeba, each carrying out different functions.  

i. Contractile Vacuole: Contractile (they can contract and expand) vacuoles regulate the osmotic pressure by pumping water out of the cell through a process called osmoregulation.

ii. Food Vacuole: These are non-contractile (fixed shape) and are in different sizes. These contain food ingested by the Amoeba.

iii. Water Globules: These are small, colourless, noncontractile spherical filled with water. 

4. Cytoplasm: This is a gel-like material that contains all the organelles of the Amoeba.

5. Pseudopods: These are finger-like projections that help the Amoeba move about and grab hold of food particles.

Interesting Facts About Amoeba

Amoeba is a fascinating organism. Let us have a look at some of the interesting facts about Amoeba. 

• Amoeba belongs to the genus Protozoa, which are unicellular eukaryotes with membrane-bound cell organelles. 

• Augustus Johann Rosel von Rosenhof first discovered it in 1757. 

• The process of breathing in amoeba is done through the cell membrane.

• Amoeba consumes food through the process of phagocytosis.

• The process of excretion and removal of waste is done through the contractile vacuole. 

• Amoebas reproduce by dividing into two cells, and they can also form cysts when conditions are unfavourable. 

Reproduction in Amoeba

• Some amoebas are parasitic, thereby causing harm to humans and animals. For example, Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis. 

• Amoeba turns into a rigid ball called an Amoebic cyst in unfavourable weather conditions. 

• Amoebas reproduce asexually either by mitosis or cytokinesis.

• Amoebas are found in terrestrial as well as aquatic habitats.

• Amoeba usually eats other bacteria and microbes.

• Digestion in amoeba takes place within the cell itself.

Summary

Amoebas are single-celled organisms that are found in all types of environments. They are able to move and change shape, and they feed on other small organisms. It is classified as a protozoan and can be found in nearly all environments on Earth. The amoeba has a variety of different shapes and sizes, and its internal structure includes several organelles that help it to function properly. Although they are very simple creatures, amoebas play an important role in the food chain and perform many vital functions in the ecosystem.