Feeding Patterns: Unicellular Organisms

Amoeba: Pseudopodia

The Shape Shifter

Amoeba is a microscopic single-celled organism. It doesn't have a mouth; instead, it uses finger-like projections called pseudopodia (false feet) to catch food.
Image 1

Key Points

  1. Pseudopodia surround the food particle (like algae or bacteria).
  2. The projections fuse, trapping the food in a 'Food Vacuole'.
  3. Enzymes are secreted into the vacuole to digest the food.
  4. Waste is expelled through any part of the cell membrane.

Olympiad Fact

Pseudopodia are also used for locomotion; the Amoeba essentially 'flows' toward its prey.

Paramecium: Cilia

Slippery and Swift

Unlike Amoeba, Paramecium has a fixed shape and a specific spot for food entry called the 'Oral Groove'.
Image 1

Key Points

  1. The body is covered with thousands of tiny hair-like cilia.
  2. Cilia beat in rhythm to sweep water and food into the mouth.
  3. Food travels into a gullet and forms a food vacuole.
  4. Waste is removed through a specific 'Anal Pore'.
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