Question

Define phagocytosis using an example.

Answer 1

• Phagocytosis is a process by which Amoeba engulfs the food. [1 mark]
• Amoeba uses pseudopodia to capture food.
• The pseudopodia are the arm-like projections in the Amoeba which help in capturing its food, in changing its size and shape and also as a locomotion organ. [1 mark]
• After capturing its food, it forms a vacuole known as food vacuole. [1 mark]
• The digestive juices are released in the vacuole and the food is digested and the nutrition is absorbed.
• After absorption, the Amoeba excretes the waste out of its body. [1 mark]
• This entire process is known as phagocytosis.