pseudopodium

views updated May 14 2018

pseudopodium (pl. pseudopodia) A temporary outgrowth of the cell of some protozoans (e.g. Amoeba), which serves as a feeding and locomotory organ. Pseudopodia may be blunt or threadlike, form a branching network, or be stiffened with an internal supporting rod. Phagocytic white blood cells also form pseudopodia to engulf invading bacteria. See amoeboid movement.

pseudopodium

views updated Jun 08 2018

pseudopodium (s'yoo-doh-poh-diŭm) n. (pl. pseudopodia) a temporary and constantly changing extension of the body of an amoeba or an amoeboid cell. Pseudopodia engulf bacteria and other particles as food and are responsible for the movements of the cell.

pseudopodium

views updated May 29 2018

pseudopodium In amoeboid cells, a protrusion, usually temporary, of the cell body, which functions in locomotion and in the ingestion of food particles. In slime moulds, an arm-like projection from the body, by which the organism creeps over the surface.

pseudopodium

views updated May 21 2018

pseudopodium In amoeboid cells, a protrusion, usually temporary, of the cell body, which functions in locomotion and in the ingestion of food particles.