Problem 158 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Amoeba shows simple form of movement Reason: Streaming of protoplasm is found in amoeba

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason accurately explains the assertion. Hence, the relation between the assertion and the reason is correct.

Step 1: Understand the Assertion

The assertion claims that amoebas show a simple form of movement. Let us verify this claim. Amoebas are single-celled organisms that move by changing their body shape, extending and retracting pseudopods. This is indeed considered a simple form of movement.

Step 2: Understand the Reason

Now, turn to the reason. It states 'Streaming of protoplasm is found in amoeba.' Protoplasm is the living part of a cell that is often colorless, enabling the amoeba's movement by flowing into the pseudopod. This claim is accurate.

Step 3: Relate the Assertion and the Reason

Finally, confirm whether the 'Reason' clarifies or supports the 'Assertion'. In this situation, the protoplasm's streaming within the amoeba does indeed enable the amoeba's movement, supporting the claim that amoebas show a simple form of movement.

Key Concepts

Pseudopodia

Amoebas, which are fascinating single-celled organisms, demonstrate an incredible way of moving through the use of pseudopodia. Think of pseudopodia as temporary arm-like projections that extend from the body of the amoeba. These structures can appear and disappear, depending on how the amoeba needs to move. When an amoeba wants to move forward, it extends a part of its body outward to form a pseudopod. The pseudopod attaches to a surface, and then the rest of the amoeba's body flows into it. This slow and gentle movement is known as Amoeboid movement.

Interestingly, this method is not only for movement. Pseudopodia also help in capturing food particles by surrounding and engulfing them in a process called phagocytosis. So, the amoeba uses these pseudopods for both locomotion and nutrition, showcasing their versatility and adaptability in various environments.

• Pseudopodia are temporary and flexible extensions of the amoeba's body.
• They aid in movement by enabling the amoeba to "crawl" along surfaces.
• Amoebas use pseudopodia to capture food particles.

Protoplasm Streaming

The movement of an amoeba is not just a simple wiggle. It involves a complex biological process called protoplasm streaming. Protoplasm is the gel-like material inside the cell, and it's made up of the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This streaming is essential for the movement of the amoeba, as it allows the cell's content to flow and change shape, forming new pseudopodia.

To generate movement, the amoeba pushes the protoplasm towards the pseudopodium, which results in the amoeba moving in that direction. This process is driven by the cytoskeleton - a network of filaments and tubules that maintain the amoeba’s structural Integrity and facilitate protoplasmic flow.

• Protoplasm streaming allows the amoeba to extend its pseudopodia.
• Involves the flow of the cytoplasm, enabling cell movement.
• Powered by the amoeba's cytoskeleton and changes in cell volume.

Single-celled Organisms

Amoebas belong to a fascinating group of organisms known as single-celled organisms. These are living entities composed of just one cell, which performs all necessary life processes, unlike multicellular organisms that rely on various specialized cells.

A single-celled organism has a simple structure but demonstrates complex behaviors, such as movement, reproduction, and feeding. In the case of amoebas, this simplicity allows them to adapt quickly to environmental changes, making them highly resilient. Directly responding to their environment, amoebas can change their shape, engage in simple locomotion, and efficiently capture food.

In the vast diversity of life forms, single-celled organisms like amoebas play critical roles in ecological systems, participating in processes such as nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for higher organisms.

• Single-celled organisms are composed of one cell performing all life functions.
• They can exhibit complex behavior despite their simplicity.
• Key players in ecological functions and processes.