Amoeba can reproduce both sexually and asexually
Most of the time, Amoeba proteus reproduces asexually by splitting one cell into two cells, a process called “Binary Fission”. Just before it reproduces, Amoeba proteus retracts most of its pseudopods and rounds up into a ball.
After replicating its genetic material (DNA) in the nucleus, the original nucleus of the Amoeba divides to form two daughter nuclei by the process of Karyokinesis. In this process, the long DNA molecules condense into chromosomes (rod-liked shape) to facilitate the separation.
After the nucleus has divided into two, the process of Cytokinesis takes place in which the cytoplasm in the mother cell pinches in and divides into two daughter cells. This leads to the formation of the two daughter Amoebae cell, having a nucleus and its own cell cytoplasm and organelles. Usually, the entire process may last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
[In this figure] Two ways of amoeba reproduction: Binary fission and Multiple fission.
Most of the time, amoebas reproduce by the binary fission. When the environment is turning harsh, amoebas adapt to the multiple fission to increase the chance to survive.
There is another rare way for Amoeba to reproduce, called Encystment or Multiple Fission.
When amoeba senses the environment become unfavorable (eg. lack of nutrients, too acidic or too much bright light), it withdraws its pseudopodia and releases a protective coat (called a cyst) made of a chitin-like substance to cover its cell membrane. This cyst is able to survive in much harsher conditions. At the same time, mitosis occurs many times inside the cyst, producing more than two daughter cells. When the cyst wall ruptures (when the condition turns favorable), these daughter cells are then released to become several new amoebas.
When the environment of habitation becomes extremely unfavorable, Amoebas will reproduce through spores. This sexual reproduction can create genetic diversity and increase its chance to survive in harsh conditions.
Extended read:
Facts about Amoeba
This article covers
- What is Amoeba?
- Is Amoeba a cell?
- What is inside Amoebas’ “false feet” or “pseudopods”?
- How does Amoeba proteus eat?
- What is Amoeba proteus’ favorite food?
- Tell me more about the secrets of Amoeba proteus!
- How big is the Amoeba proteus ?
- How fast the Amoeba proteus can move?
- Does Amoeba proteus have eyes?
- How does Amoeba proteus breathe?
- How does Amoeba proteus reproduce?
- Where to look for Amoeba proteus?
- How to find Amoeba proteus under an optical microscope?
- What to look for under the microscope?
- I saw some shiny particles inside Amoeba proteus. What is that?
- Do other Amoebas also look like Amoeba proteus?
- Where did the name “Amoeba” come from?
- How is Amoeba classified?
- I heard that Amoebas can eat human brains. Is it true?