what is amoeba

An amoeba, often called an amoeboid, is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods. Amoebae do not form a single taxonomic group; instead, they are found in every major lineage of eukaryotic organisms. They are single-celled microbes that move in a characteristic crawling fashion and are eukaryotes, possessing certain characteristic features such as a cell membrane, a nucleus, and organelles. Amoebas are identified by their ability to form temporary cytoplasmic extensions called pseudopodia, or false feet, by means of which they move about. This type of movement, called amoeboid movement, is considered to be the most primitive form of animal locomotion. Amoebas are used extensively in cell research for determining the relative functions and interactions of the nucleus and the cytoplasm. They are also found in fungi, algae, and animals, and are used in various scientific studies and research.