Unicellular organisms

What is a euglena?

A euglena is a microscopic uni-cellular organism, found in fresh water.

What is an amoeba?

An amoeba is a uni-cellular organism that has no fixed shape. Amoebas look a bit like a blob of jelly. They can be found in fresh water, salt water, wet soil, and even inside animals.

What is the function of the eye spot?

eyespot, a heavily pigmented region in certain one-celled organisms that apparently functions in light reception.

What is the function of the flagellum?

A flagellum, this tail-like structure spins like a propeller, causing the euglena to swim' towards the light.

What is the function of the chloroplast?

The most important function of the chloroplast is to synthesise food by the process of photosynthesis. Absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy.

What is the function of the contractile vacuole?

The contractile vacuole acts as part of a protective mechanism that prevents the cell from absorbing too much water and possibly lysing (rupturing) through excessive internal pressure.

What is the function of the nucleus?

By housing the cell's genome, the nucleus serves both as the repository of genetic information and as the cell's control center

What is the function of a food vacuole?

The main function of the food vacuole is to ingest food particles using phagocytosis, a type of endocytosis. The food particles will then be broken down, or digested, when the lysosome fuses with the food vacuole.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

The cell membrane regulates the transport of materials entering and exiting the cell.

What is the function of the pseudopod?

The pseudopods are used in movement and as a tool to capture prey.