Amoeba (genus): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:01, 4 April 2006

Revision as of 01:03, 4 April 2006

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| genus_authority = Bery de St. Vincent 1822

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'''''Amoeba''''' (also spelled '''''ameba''''') is a genus of [[protozoa]] that moves by means of temporary projections called [[pseudopods]], and is well-known as a representative unicellular organism. The word amoeba is variously used to refer to it and its close relatives, now grouped as the [[SarcodiaAmoebozoa]], or to all protozoa that move using pseudopods, otherwise termed [[amoeboid]]s.

''Amoeba'' itself is found in [[freshwater]], typically on decaying [[vegetation]] from streams, but is not especially common in nature. However, because of the ease with which they may be obtained and kept in the lab, they are common objects of study, both as representative protozoa and to demonstrate cell structure and function. The cells have several lobose pseudopods, with one large tubular pseudopod at the anterior and several secondary ones branching to the sides. The most famous species, ''Amoeba proteus'', is 700-800 μm in length, but many others are much smaller. Each has a single [[cell nucleus|nucleus]], and a simple contractile [[vacuole]] which maintains its [[osmosis|osmotic]] pressure, as its most recognizable features.