Cell Morphology

Amoebae are single‑celled organisms composed of protoplasm, a semi‑fluid, jelly‑like substance that is divided into cytoplasm and a nucleus. The nucleus is enclosed by a nuclear membrane, while the cytoplasm is surrounded by the cell membrane, which acts as both a mechanical and chemical boundary and mediates the exchange of materials with the environment. Because amoebae live in aqueous environments, this membrane is constantly in contact with water. Waste products, water, oxygen, and other dissolved substances pass in and out of the cell through the membrane.

The cytoplasm contains all cellular organelles, including the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. These organelles may appear as small refractive bodies under the light microscope, but they cannot be reliably identified with light microscopy.