Amoeboid
Amoeboid
Amoeboid (pronunciation: /əˈmiːbɔɪd/) is a term used to describe cells or organisms which have the ability to alter their shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods. The term is derived from the genus Amoeba, which possesses this characteristic.
Etymology
The term "amoeboid" is derived from the Greek word amoibe, which means change. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the changing shape of certain cells and organisms.
Characteristics
Amoeboid cells or organisms are typically found in biological systems and are often associated with cellular movement, division, and ingestion. They are characterized by their ability to change shape by extending and retracting pseudopods. This movement is often referred to as amoeboid movement.
Types
There are several types of amoeboid organisms, including amoebae, white blood cells, and certain types of fungus and algae. These organisms can be found in a variety of environments, from freshwater to marine environments, and even in the human body.
Related Terms
- Pseudopod: A temporary protrusion of the surface of an amoeboid cell for movement and feeding.
- Amoeboid movement: A sliding movement observed in most amoeboid cells.
- Phagocytosis: The process by which a cell engulfs a solid particle to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome.
- Cytokinesis: The physical process of cell division, which divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.
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