No fixed line of separation between it and the ectoplasm is visible.
Being less dense than the ectoplasm, it contains within it all of the large granUles. The endoplasm occupies the central portion of the body. – The ectoplasm is easily distinguished from the endoplasm because of the absence within it of granules. For these reasons it has been, and still is, a favorite animal for investigation. It is, moreover,simple in structure, shows a number of physiological activities in their simplest form, is one of the most primitive of all animals and is easily obtained. foreign substances such as grains of sand, and undigested particles, the amount of the latter depending upon the feeding activity of the specimen at the timeįrom this description it will be noted that Amoeba proteus contains all of the essential constituents of a cell. Suspended in the endosarc is a nucleus, usually one or more food. A single clear spherical body, usually lying near the end of the animal away from the direction of motion, and disappearing at more or less regular intervals is the contractile vacuole. General morphology – Two regions are distinguishable in the body of amoeba, – an outer colorless layer of clear cytoplasm,the ectosarc, consisting of ectoplasm, and a comparatively large central mass of granular cytoplasm, the endosarc, consisting ofĮndoplasm.While looking for an amoeba note the character of its habitat Here they find their food, which consists of small aquatic plants, such as Oscillaria and diatoms, other protozoa, bacteria, and other animal and vegetable matter. The fact that amoebae appear in large numbers in cultures, such as just described, indicates that decaying pond weed furnishes a good habitat for them. The vegetation soon decays, and a brown scum appears on the surface. About two weeks before the specimens are needed, a mass of pond weed (Ceratophyllum is the best) should be gathered, placed in flat dishes, and immersed in water. It may be obtained for laboratory use from a variety of places, such as the organic ooze from decaying vegetation or the lower surface of lily pads. – Amoeba proteus lives in fresh-water ponds and streams. Under the compound microscope it appears as an irregular colorless particle of animated jelly which is constantly changing its shape by thrusting out finger-like processes. fowleri amoeba COULD BE HARMFUL TO HUMANSĪmoeba proteus is a one-celled animal about 25 mm ( 1/100 inch) in diameter, and is, therefore, invisible to the naked eye. THEY ARE HETEROTROPHS THAT INGESTS FOOD BY A PROCESS CALLED ENDOCYTOSIS.