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Question 49 of 782

Amoeba moves by means of

  • A. Cilia
  • B. Flagella
  • C. Pseudopodia
  • D. Swimmerets

Correct Answer: C

Explanation
Correct Option: C. Pseudopodia Explanation of the Correct Answer Amoeba is a type of single-celled organism classified under the kingdom Protista. It is well-known for its unique method of movement, which is primarily through structures called pseudopodia.
  1. What are Pseudopodia?
  2. Pseudopodia, which means "false feet," are temporary projections of the cell's cytoplasm. They are formed when the cytoplasm of the amoeba flows into a specific direction, allowing the organism to extend its body outward. This extension is facilitated by the amoeba's flexible cell membrane and the fluidity of its cytoplasm.
  3. How Does Movement Occur?
  4. The movement of amoeba involves a process called amoeboid movement. Here’s how it works:
    • Extension: The amoeba extends a pseudopodium in the direction it wants to move.
    • Adhesion: The pseudopodium adheres to the substrate (the surface it is moving on).
    • Contraction: The rest of the cell body then contracts and flows into the pseudopodium, pulling the amoeba forward.
  5. This process is not only used for locomotion but also for capturing food, as amoebas can engulf prey by surrounding it with their pseudopodia.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
  • A. Cilia:
  • Cilia are short, hair-like structures that cover the surface of some cells and are used for movement and feeding. They beat in coordinated waves to propel the organism. However, amoebas do not have cilia; they rely solely on pseudopodia for movement.
  • B. Flagella:
  • Flagella are long, whip-like structures that some cells use for movement. They typically move in a wave-like manner. While some protists, like euglena, use flagella, amoebas do not possess flagella and therefore cannot move using this method.
  • D. Swimmerets:
  • Swimmerets are appendages found in some aquatic animals, such as crustaceans, used for swimming. They are not present in amoebas, which are unicellular and do not have specialized appendages like swimmerets.
Summary of Key Points
  • Amoeba moves using pseudopodia, which are temporary extensions of its cytoplasm.
  • Amoeboid movement involves extending a pseudopodium, adhering to a surface, and contracting the cell body to move forward.
  • Cilia and flagella are not used by amoebas; they are structures found in other types of organisms.
  • Swimmerets are not applicable to amoebas, as they are multi-cellular structures found in certain aquatic animals.
Revision Summary
  • Amoeba moves by extending pseudopodia.
  • Movement involves extension, adhesion, and contraction.
  • Cilia and flagella are not present in amoebas.
  • Swimmerets are specialized structures in some aquatic animals, not amoebas.
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