Pseudopodia

This article is about eukaryotic cells. For the band, see Pseudopod (band). For the podcast, see Pseudopod (podcast). For the structure in insect anatomy, see Proleg.
Amoeba proteus extending lobose pseudopodia

A pseudopod or pseudopodium (pl.: pseudopods or pseudopodia) is a temporary arm-like projection of a eukaryotic cell membrane that is emerged in the direction of movement. Filled with cytoplasm, pseudopodia primarily consist of actin filaments and may also contain microtubules and intermediate filaments.[1][2] Pseudopods are used for motility and ingestion. They are often found in amoebas.

Different types of pseudopodia can be classified by their distinct appearances.[3] Lamellipodia are broad and thin. Filopodia are slender, thread-like, and are supported largely by microfilaments. Lobopodia are bulbous and amoebic. Reticulopodia are complex structures bearing individual pseudopodia which form irregular nets. Axopodia are the phagocytosis type with long, thin pseudopods supported by complex microtubule arrays enveloped with cytoplasm; they respond rapidly to physical contact.[4]

Generally, several pseudopodia arise from the surface of the body, (polypodial, for example, Amoeba proteus), or a single pseudopod may form on the surface of the body (monopodial, such as Entamoeba histolytica).[5]

  1. ^ Etienne-Manneville S (2004). "Actin and Microtubules in Cell Motility: Which One is in Control?". Traffic. 5 (7): 470–77. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0854.2004.00196.x. PMID 15180824. S2CID 23083215.
  2. ^ Tang DD (2017). "The roles and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, intermediate filaments and microtubules in smooth muscle cell migration". Respiratory Research. 18 (1): 54. doi:10.1186/s12931-017-0544-7. PMC 5385055. PMID 28390425.
  3. ^ Patterson, David J. "Amoebae: Protists Which Move and Feed Using Pseudopodia". tolweb.org. Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved 2017-11-12.
  4. ^ "Pseudopodia". Arcella.nl. May 23, 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-12-16. Retrieved 2018-12-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ Bogitsh, Burton J.; Carter, Clint E.; Oeltmann, Thomas N. (2013). "General Characteristics of the Euprotista (Protozoa)". Human Parasitology. pp. 37–51. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-415915-0.00003-0. ISBN 978-0-12-415915-0. S2CID 83272826.