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Field guide · species

Amoeba proteus

Amoeba proteus is a large single-celled eukaryote that changes shape as it moves and feeds. Temporary extensions called pseudopodia connect visible cell shape with the movement of cytoplasm inside the cell.

Public research profile · final editorial review pending.

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Tree of lifeScientific lineage

Advanced classification

Complete source lineage, including intermediate ranks. The standard view uses Life and the eight principal ranks.

cellular organisms cellular root
Eukaryota domain
Amoebozoa clade
Tubulinea phylum
Elardia class
Euamoebida order
Amoebidae family
Amoeba genus
Amoeba proteus species

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Structure and identification

An irregular outline and flowing extensions distinguish a moving cell. A nucleus and vacuoles can be observed using suitable microscopy.

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Habitat and range

Freshwater environments with microbial food and suitable surfaces support its crawling and feeding activity.

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Nutrition and metabolism

Pseudopodia surround food particles and small organisms, bringing them into vacuoles for digestion.

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Biological activity

The cell forms pseudopods as its shape changes. Direct pressure measurements found that internal pressure rose before movement and decreased around pseudopod formation, supporting a role for hydrostatic pressure driven by the contractile cell cortex. This links movement with the mechanics of a living cell rather than an animal-like limb.

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