Amoebas
Amoebas (Amoebae)
Amoebas (pronounced: ə-ˈmē-bə, plural amoebae or amoebas) are a group of unicellular organisms, typically belonging to the kingdom Protista. They are characterized by their shapeless and flexible bodies.
Etymology
The term "amoeba" comes from the Greek word "amoibe," which means change. This is in reference to the amoeba's ability to change its shape as it moves and engulfs food particles.
Characteristics
Amoebas are known for their ability to alter their shape, primarily due to the movement of their pseudopodia (false feet). They are also known for their mode of nutrition, which is typically phagocytosis, where they engulf their food particles.
Habitat
Amoebas are found in various habitats, including fresh and salt water, soil, and in the bodies of organisms as parasites. Some amoebas, such as the Entamoeba histolytica, can cause diseases in humans.
Reproduction
Amoebas reproduce asexually through a process known as binary fission. In this process, the nucleus of the amoeba divides into two, followed by the division of its cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells.
Related Terms
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