Maddy Smith, Katrina Koch Amoeba! Maddy Smith, Katrina Koch
What is an Amoeba? Unicellular organism Found in: soil, fresh water, ocean, other organisms (they’re parasites!) Flexible outer Membrane Asymmetrical body Continually change shape in movement
Movement Pseudopodium (Pseudopodia) Temporary cytoplasmic projections Cytoplasm flows into projection until entire cell has moved Also used to capture food through Phagocytosis-surround food
How do They Reproduce? Binary fission Splitting of organism into two equal parts Asexual
Negative Effects? Parasitic Transmitted as cysts in contaminated drinking water Cyst: thick-walled, resistant, resting stage in life of amoeba Amoebic dysentery-intestinal disease Eye infections in contact users