An amoeba is a single-celled organism that feeds on algae, plant cells, and bacteria. When an amoeba feeds, it first makes contact with the food particle. Next, the amoeba starts to surround the particle. Once the particle is completely engulfed, it is surrounded by a layer of the amoeba's membrane, forming a vesicle. The pH in the vesicle is then lowered and the contents are degraded.

What type of transport is involved in this process?

1 answer

The process described for the amoeba feeding on food particles involves endocytosis, which is a type of active transport. During endocytosis, the amoeba extends its membrane to surround and engulf the food particle, forming a vesicle. This requires energy, making it an active transport mechanism. Within the vesicle, the pH is lowered for degradation of the contents, which is further facilitated by various cellular processes.