Where are Amoeba Cells Found?
Most of the Amoebae live in various marine environments. They are amorphous in shape and move by means of extruding pseudopodia extensions. Have you ever watched a movie called, “The Blob?” The title character in that movie is based on the concept of a giant amoeba devouring anything and everything in its path. Actual amoebae are somewhat like that but on a microscopic scale, mostly grazing on bacteria and microscopic detritus. When the environment is not conducive to survival, i.e. the water hole dries up, they can encyst and survive quite nicely until conditions improve. Most Amoebae cause no harm to humans, but here are a few that can be nasty: Entamoeba histolytica famously causes amoebic dystentery when ingested, usually from untreated drinking water. This disease is also known as ‘Moctezuma’s Revenge’ (often Anglicized to ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’) amongst unlucky tourists in Mexico. Naegleria fowleri (AKA the ‘Brain-Eating Amoeba”) can be fatal to swimmers if taken in via the nose.
