Amoeba Acquires Food through Endocytosis

Endocytosis:
Amoeba is a unicellular organism that feeds on other small organisms like bacteria, algae, and other protozoans. The process through which amoeba acquires food is termed endocytosis. Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf external material by extending their plasma membrane around it to form a vesicle.

Phagocytosis:
Amoeba acquires its food through a type of endocytosis called phagocytosis. In phagocytosis, the cell membrane of amoeba extends pseudopodia around the food particle and engulfs it. The food is then enclosed in a food vacuole that is formed by the pinching off of the plasma membrane.

Intracellular Digestion:
Once the food is enclosed in the food vacuole, it is digested by enzymes. The food vacuole fuses with lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down the food into simpler substances that can be absorbed by the cell. The nutrients are then transported to other parts of the cell by diffusion.

Exocytosis:
After digestion, the waste material is removed from the cell through a process called exocytosis. In exocytosis, the undigested material is expelled from the cell through the plasma membrane. The food vacuole fuses with the plasma membrane and releases the waste material outside the cell.

In conclusion, amoeba acquires its food through endocytosis, specifically phagocytosis. The food is then digested by enzymes and the waste material is removed through exocytosis.

Endocytosis is a process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them. Cells use this mechanism when the molecules are larger and polar hence, cannot pass through hydrophobic cell membrane. The process shows engulfment of small food particles by forming an invagination around it then forming a small vesicle. This vesicle is then taken inside the cell and then vesicle is broken down to release the food particles.