An amoeba is a single celled protozoa made up of a cellular fluid called cytoplasm. The cytoplasm can be divided into two parts; the ectoplasm, a thin outer layer which acts as its membrane, and the endoplasm, a more watery inner part which contains organelles such as the nuclei.
Amoeba derives its name from its ability to move by continuously changing its body shape. It does this by forming pseudopods, which are temporary extensions into which its body flows. They are therefore regarded as false feet.
When the pseudopod is projected outwards along the surface in a direction, the backend of the amoeba contracts, pushing the cytoplasm to fill the extending pseudopod. The pseudopod then forms a physical adhesion with the surface, which enables it to grip the surface and propel the amoeba forward. An amoeba also uses the pseudopods to capture food from the surroundings.
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