How does an Amoeba obtain its food?

– Phagocytosis:
– Amoebas use pseudopods (temporary extensions of their cell membrane) to surround food particles.
– This process is called phagocytosis, where the amoeba engulfs the food particle, enclosing it within a vacuole.

– Digestion:
– Enzymes are released into the vacuole by the amoeba.
– These enzymes break down the food into smaller molecules inside the vacuole.

– Absorption:
– Small molecules like simple sugars and amino acids are absorbed through the cell membrane into the amoeba’s cytoplasm.

– Waste Elimination:
– Any undigested material or waste products are expelled from the amoeba’s body through exocytosis.
– The vacuole containing waste merges with the cell membrane, releasing the waste outside the cell.

This process of phagocytosis allows the amoeba to engulf, digest, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste, sustaining its life functions as a single-celled organism.