Amoeba is a unicellular eukaryotic organism that belongs to the kingdom Protista. It is a microscopic organism that lives in freshwater and feeds on other microorganisms. The process of obtaining food in amoebae is known as nutrition.


Amoebae can obtain their food in two ways:

• Autotrophic mode of nutrition


• Heterotrophic mode of nutrition

Autotrophic amoebae are capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis. They contain chloroplasts which help in the process of photosynthesis. However, this type of amoeba is very rare.


Most amoebae obtain their food through the process of phagocytosis. They engulf their food by extending their pseudopodia around the food particle and enclosing it in a food vacuole. The food vacuole then fuses with lysosomes, and the food is broken down into simpler substances.


The process of digestion in amoeba occurs in the food vacuoles. The food vacuole contains enzymes that break down the food into simpler substances. The digested food is then absorbed by the cytoplasm and used for various metabolic activities.


The process of excretion in amoeba occurs through the contractile vacuoles. The contractile vacuoles help in removing excess water and waste materials from the cell.


In conclusion, amoebae obtain their food through the process of phagocytosis and digest it in the food vacuoles. The digested food is then absorbed by the cytoplasm and used for various metabolic activities. The process of excretion occurs through the contractile vacuoles.