Question

How does ingestion occur in Amoeba?

Answer 1

Ingestion:

1. The process of taking in the food by any organism is referred to as ingestion.
2. In the case of animals, ingestion takes place through the mouth.
3. In the case of certain unicellular organisms, their whole body, specifically the plasma membrane gets involved in this process.
4. Ingestion is the first step in the process of food digestion.

Ingestion in Amoeba:

1. Amoeba develops an extension or projection using its cell membrane called pseudopodia.
2. Using the pseudopodia, it encircles its food and the food vacuole present inside its cell engulfs it thus, accomplishing the process of ingestion.
3. This whole process of ingestion using pseudopodia and engulfing the food using the food vacuole is termed phagocytosis.

Figure showing Amoeba engulfing its food: