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Amoeba moves with the help of pseudopodia.
The word pseudopodia comes from the Greek words “pseudo” (false) and “podion” (foot), meaning “false feet.” These are temporary, finger-like projections of the cell membrane and cytoplasm that allow the amoeba to move and capture food.
When an amoeba wants to move, it extends a pseudopodium in the direction it wants to go, and the cytoplasm flows into this extension, pulling the rest of the cell along. This type of movement is called amoeboid movement.
How Pseudopodia Help Amoeba Move?
| Process | Description |
| Extension of pseudopodia | Amoeba forms a projection in the direction of movement. |
| Cytoplasmic flow | The inner fluid of the cell (cytoplasm) flows into the pseudopodium. |
| Adhesion to surface | The pseudopodium sticks to the surface, providing grip for movement. |
| Cell pulled forward | The cell body is pulled in the direction of the extended pseudopodium. |
| Retraction and repetition | The process is repeated to continue movement. |
Why Pseudopodia Are Important for Amoeba:
- Locomotion: Helps amoeba move from one place to another.
- Feeding: Used to engulf food particles (a process called phagocytosis).
- Survival: Enables the organism to escape unfavorable conditions.
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