Classification of Amoeba
The systematic position of Amoeba is as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Protozoa
- Sub-phylum: Sarcomastigophora
- Super Class: Sarcodina
- Class: Rhizopodia
- Genus: Amoeba
Description
Habitat of Amoeba
- Amoeba is a free-living freshwater organism that prefers moist environments.
- It is commonly found in ponds,Ditches,Lakes,Spring pools
Structure of Amoeba
Amoeba is a unicellular, microscopic organism with a simple body organization.
Main structural features:
- Body is irregular in shape and constantly changing
- It is colourless and transparent
- Size ranges between 260–600 µm
- Contains a single nucleus
1. Ectoplasm is the outer layer and clear and non-granular
2. Endoplasm is the inner layer and Granular and contains organelles
The body is covered by a thin membrane called plasmalemma.
Functions:Exchange of gases (O₂ and CO₂) and Movement of water and dissolved substances
Amoeba moves and captures food using pseudopodia (false feet).
Functions of pseudopodia: Help in locomotion and Assist in engulfing food (phagocytosis)
Vacuoles in Amoeba
1. Contractile Vacuole is the temporary structure,maintains osmoregulation and Helps in excretion
2. Food Vacuoles is present in endoplasm which p
erform:
Digestion and Absorption of nutrientsAmoeba reproduces by asexual methods:
Binary fission (most common) and Multiple fission (in unfavorable conditions)