Amoeba

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Amoeba

Amoeba (/əˈmiːbə/, plural: amoebae /əˈmiːbiː/) is a type of cell or organism which has the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods. Amoebas belong to the domain Eukaryota, and their name comes from the Greek word ἀμοιβή (amoibē), meaning change.

Etymology

The term "Amoeba" is derived from the Greek word "amoibe", which means change. This is in reference to the organism's ability to change its shape by extending and retracting pseudopods.

Characteristics

Amoebas do not form a single taxonomic group; instead, they are found in every major lineage of Eukaryotic organisms. Amoeboid cells occur not only among the Protozoa, but also in fungi, algae, and animals.

Reproduction

Amoebas reproduce by a process called Binary fission, a type of asexual reproduction. In binary fission, the amoeba duplicates its genetic material and then divides into two new cells.

Pathogenic Amoebas

Some amoebas are Pathogens, causing diseases in humans and other organisms. Notable pathogenic amoebas include Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscesses, and Naegleria fowleri, the "brain-eating amoeba".

Related Terms

  • Pseudopod: Temporary projections of eukaryotic cell membranes or unicellular protists. Amoebas move by extending their pseudopods.
  • Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.
  • Protozoa: A diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms, many of which are motile.
  • Binary fission: A kind of asexual reproduction, most common in prokaryotes.
  • Pathogen: An organism that causes disease.

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