Pseudopodia (Gr. Pseudes - False, P Us - Leg)

Pseudopodia (from the Greek ψευδής - false and πούς - leg)

Pseudopodia are temporary cytoplasmic projections produced by amoebae and amoeboid cells. They serve to move these single-celled organisms and capture food.

Pseudopodia are formed due to the leakage of cell cytoplasm out through breaks in the cell membrane. They can take different shapes - from thin threads to wide blades. The movement of pseudopodia occurs due to the cytoplasmic flow within them.

When the pseudopodia of an amoeba finds a particle of food, it surrounds it on all sides with its pseudopods and gradually draws it inside the cell, where the food is digested. Also, with the help of pseudopodia, the amoeba can attach to the substrate.

Thus, pseudopodia play a crucial role in the processes of movement, nutrition and fixation of amoebae and other amoeboid unicellular organisms. These structures allow them to actively move and obtain food.