Question

Describe and contrast four different mechanisms of movement in four different classes of protists, Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, and Diatoms.

Answer 1

Amoeba: Amoeba moves with the help of pseudopodia. The pseudopodia are known as false feet of the amoeba as they are actually protrusions of the cytoplasm.

Paramecium: Movement in the paramecium is assisted by the cilia, which are hair like projections covering the outer body of the paramecium. The movement of the cilia moves the paramecium body forward or backwards.

Euglena: Movement in Euglena is assisted by structures called flagellum. The flagellum are a thread like structure which causes whipping movement in euglena.

Diatoms: DIatoms have structures called raphe for movement. It allows the diatoms to move over surfaces.