Question
Question: What are the three ways in which protozoans move?...
What are the three ways in which protozoans move?
Solution
Protozoans are a group of organisms that are unicellular. These single-celled organisms are extremely minute and cannot be seen with the naked eye. One way to differentiate between these organisms is by the way that they move.
Complete answer:
Protozoans are microscopic creatures therefore the way that they move depends on their environment and their body structure. Protozoans do not possess muscle and bones as we do. The ways that protozoans move are primarily based upon the appendages that the single-celled organisms possess.
Ameboid movement: The amoeba uses this form of movement. Here the cells do not have any external appendages, instead they use proteins on the surface of the cells to pull themselves in the direction they want to go. The amoeba can send out a single arm of their body and slowly move by using this arm as an anchor.
Flagella: Certain organisms like Trypanosoma, have flagella that they use to push themselves forward. These appendages are long and thread-like. They can help the organism to move.
Cilia: Paramecium is an example of a ciliated protozoan. The cilia are small hair-like appendages that are present in large numbers and all move in sync. This helps the organism to move in a particular direction. The primary difference between flagella and cilia is their size.
Note:
There are three ways in which protozoans move, ameboid movement, ciliated movement, and flagellated movement. All of these methods are based on the environment that the organism lives in and its body structure.