Ameba Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ameba
[ษหmiหbษ ]
Definition
biological organism
An ameba, or amoeba, is a single-celled organism that can change shape by extending and retracting pseudopodia. They are commonly found in water, soil, and as parasites in other organisms. Amebas are important in the study of cellular processes and can be either free-living or pathogenic.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ameba moves using its pseudopodia.
- Researchers are studying how the ameba reacts to different environments.
- Amebas can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Amebas can feed by surrounding their food with their body and absorbing it, a process called phagocytosis.
- Some amebas can cause diseases in humans and animals, such as amoebic dysentery, by invading the intestines.
- They are known for their unique movement through a process called amoeboid movement, where they extend parts of their body called pseudopodia.
Ecology
- Amebas play an important role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead organic material.
- They are commonly found in soil, freshwater, and even saltwater environments, showcasing their adaptability.
- Some species can survive in extreme environments, such as hot springs and deep-sea vents, illustrating their resilience.
Pop Culture
- Amebas have been depicted in various science fiction novels and films, often as symbols of the unknown in nature.
- Certain video games include ameba-like characters, emphasizing their strange and fascinating forms.
- Documentaries about microscopic life often highlight amebas to captivate audiences with their unique behaviors.
Science
- Research on amebas helps scientists understand more about cellular processes and the evolution of multicellular organisms.
- They are used in laboratory studies to explore the immune response, providing insight into human health.
- Amebas have a simple structure, yet their complex behaviors challenge researchers to learn more about primitive life forms.
Origin of 'ameba'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'ameibein,' which means 'to change' because of their ability to change shape.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century, referencing a distinct group of single-celled organisms.
- In scientific classification, amebas belong to the kingdom Protista, which includes mostly small, microscopic organisms.
The word 'ameba' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'แผฮผฮฟฮนฮฒฮฎ' (amoibฤ), meaning 'change' or 'exchange,' which reflects the organism's characteristic of changing shape. The term was popularized in the scientific community during the 19th century as advances in microscopy allowed scientists to better observe these single-celled organisms. The modern understanding of amebas is heavily influenced by early microbiologists who classified them based on their unique physical traits and reproductive methods. Over time, as biology evolved as a science, the study of amebas expanded to encompass various species known for their ecological roles and interactions with other forms of life.