Yeah it is first acidic and then alkaline as like alimentary canal of man.

Food Vacuole in Amoeba

The food vacuole plays a crucial role in the digestion and nutrient absorption process of amoebas. It is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the food particles engulfed by the amoeba through phagocytosis. The digestion of food within the food vacuole occurs through a series of enzymatic reactions, which ultimately break down the food particles into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the amoeba.

The Role of pH in Food Vacuole

The pH of the food vacuole undergoes changes during the digestion process. These changes in pH are essential for the proper functioning of the digestive enzymes present within the food vacuole. The enzymes responsible for the digestion of food in amoebas work optimally at specific pH levels.

Acidic pH

During the initial stages of digestion, the food vacuole exhibits an acidic pH. This acidic environment is created by the secretion of acid hydrolases into the food vacuole. The acid hydrolases are enzymes that function optimally in an acidic pH. They help in the breakdown of complex molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into smaller units.

Alkaline pH

As the digestion progresses, the pH of the food vacuole gradually becomes alkaline. This shift in pH is primarily due to the secretion of alkaline hydrolases into the food vacuole. These enzymes are responsible for further breaking down the smaller molecules into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by the amoeba. The alkaline pH provides an optimal environment for the activity of these enzymes.

Explanation of the Correct Answer

The correct answer to the question is option 'A', which states that the food vacuole of amoeba first exhibits an acidic pH and then becomes alkaline. This sequence of pH changes is crucial for the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients by the amoeba.

By starting with an acidic pH, the food vacuole allows the initial breakdown of complex food molecules. The acidic environment activates acid hydrolases, which begin the digestion process. As digestion progresses, the pH gradually shifts towards alkaline, creating an optimal environment for the activity of alkaline hydrolases. These enzymes further break down the food particles into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the amoeba.

Therefore, the occurrence of an acidic pH followed by an alkaline pH in the food vacuole of amoeba ensures the proper functioning of the digestive enzymes and efficient digestion of food.