What is the mechanism of excretion in amoeba?

Excretion in amoeba occurs through a combination of simple diffusion and the action of the contractile vacuole.

Excretion Mechanisms in Amoeba

Amoeba, being a single-celled organism, relies on simple processes to eliminate waste products. These processes include:

Simple Diffusion

• Primary Mechanism: The majority of waste excretion in amoeba occurs through simple diffusion across the body's surface.
• How it Works: Waste products, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, move from an area of high concentration within the amoeba to an area of lower concentration in the surrounding environment.

Contractile Vacuole

• Osmoregulation and Excretion: The contractile vacuole primarily functions in osmoregulation (maintaining water balance) but also plays a role in excretion.
• Process:
  1. The contractile vacuole gathers excess water and some waste products from the cytoplasm.
  2. It gradually swells as it accumulates these substances.
  3. The vacuole then moves to the surface of the amoeba.
  4. It fuses with the cell membrane and bursts, releasing its contents (water and waste) into the surrounding environment.

In summary, while diffusion handles most excretory functions, the contractile vacuole assists by expelling excess water and some dissolved waste products.