PSEUDOPODIUM Meaning and
Definition
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A pseudopodium is a temporary, movable extension of the cytoplasm found in certain single-celled organisms, such as amoebas and some protists. It is a specialized structure that enables amoeboid movement, allowing these organisms to crawl and change shape. The term "pseudopodium" derives from the Greek words "pseudes" meaning false, and "podion" meaning little foot, which accurately describes its appearance and function.
Typically, a pseudopodium is formed by the protrusion of the cell's plasma membrane, extending outward in a temporary manner. This projection is filled with cytoplasm and sometimes contains contractile filaments, microtubules, or actin filaments that assist in the movement. Although pseudopodia are temporary structures, they are dynamic and can be retracted or extended depending on the organism's needs.
Pseudopodia are crucial for various cellular processes, including locomotion, capturing prey, engulfing food particles, and cell-to-cell communication. Through their pseudopodia, amoebas and other organisms can move in a flowing and flexible manner, adapting to their surroundings and responding to various stimuli.
The study of pseudopodia has contributed to our understanding of cell biology, including the mechanisms involved in cell movement, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cellular communication. Furthermore, pseudopodia have also been used as a model system in studying diseases related to cell migration, such as cancer metastasis.
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A temporary protoplasmic process, of variable size and shape, put forth by a protozoan for purposes of locomotion or for the prehension of food.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOPODIUM
- oseudopodium
- lseudopodium
- -seudopodium
- 0seudopodium
- paeudopodium
- pzeudopodium
- pxeudopodium
- pdeudopodium
- peeudopodium
- pweudopodium
- pswudopodium
- pssudopodium
- psdudopodium
- psrudopodium
- ps4udopodium
- ps3udopodium
- pseydopodium
- psehdopodium
- psejdopodium
- pseudopoduum
- pseudopodeum
Etymology of PSEUDOPODIUM
The word pseudopodium has its origins in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: pseudes, meaning false, and podion, meaning a small foot.
In biology, a pseudopodium refers to a temporary protrusion or extension of the cytoplasm (cell substance) in single-celled organisms like amoebas. These extensions resemble false or temporary feet, hence the term pseudopodium.
Similar spelling words for PSEUDOPODIUM
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