Amoeba

Question 1

What kingdom are Amoebas part of?

Answer 1

Protista

Question 2

Characteristics of Amoeba

Answer 2

• Microscopic
• Eukaryotic
• Single Celled
• Heterotroph

Question 3

Where are amoebas found?

Answer 3

In freshwater ponds and streams (means higher water concentration in pond)

Question 4

Structure of Amoeba

Answer 4

• Cell membrane- Retains cell contents, allows gases diffuse in and out
• Endoplasm- (Inner layer) Food vacuoles, fat droplets and waste products
• Ectoplasm- (Outer layer) Less fluid than Endoplasm
• Flexible Membrane- Constantly changing shape to move
• Nucleus- Controls the cell
• Food vacuoles- Secretes acid to kill prey
• Pseudopodia- helps movements and engulf prey
• Contractile Vacuole- Eliminates water to prevent cell from bursting

Question 5

Contractile Vacuole

Answer 5

1. Water enters due to osmosis
2. Excess water enters contractile vacuole
3. Contractile vacuole swells
4. Contractile vacuole moves to the edge of cell
5. Contractile vacuole bursts and expels water
6. Cycle is then repeated

Question 6

What happens during osmosis?

Answer 6

Water moves into cytoplasm (water moves from area of high water concentration to area of low water concentration)

Question 7

What if osmosis were to continue?

Answer 7

Amoeba would swell and burst

Question 8

How does Amoeba not burst?

Answer 8

Excess water moves into contractile vacuole, which expands when full. Responsible for osmoregulation