Question

If an amoeba engulfs a particle of food does it use energy?

Answer 1

Yes, an amoeba uses energy in the form of ATP during the process of phagocytosis to engulf and digest food particles, which is critical for its metabolism and growth. This active transport process involves forming a phagosome that fuses with a lysosome for digestion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an amoeba engulfs a particle of food, a process known as phagocytosis takes place. This is an active transport mechanism that requires direct use of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to fuel the transport. The amoeba extends pseudopodia to surround the food particle, forming a phagosome or food vacuole inside the cytosol. A lysosome then fuses with the phagosome to digest the particle using hydrolytic enzymes, turning it into small molecules that can be used for energy and growth within the amoeba. Both materials and energy are obtained through this process, which is crucial for the amoeba's metabolism and ability to reproduce. Endocytosis, the overarching term for this type of cellular process, is essential for the amoeba's nutrient intake and waste expulsion, especially when the cell size is too large for efficient diffusion. Therefore, the amoeba does use energy in the form of ATP during the engulfment and digestion of food particles.

Answer 2

Endocytosis is a form of active transport hence require enegry powered by ATP. The amoeba needs to change shape and engulf and envaginate the particle and then use vessicle transportation to get the materials into the cell. This requires that the cytoskeleton - composed of tubules and filaments - contracts and relax accordingly. This requires energy by ATPs just like the myosin and actin of muscle.

Phagocytosis, another form of endocytosis, is used by some cells such as immune cells to engulf foreign material and then destroy them by use of lysozymes. This is how phagocytes protect the body from invaders.