Question

What do you mean by cyst formation?

Answer 1

Hint: The main method of reproduction in amoeba is binary fission. But there is another method known as multiple fission, which is adopted by amoeba for survival and reproduction in unfavorable conditions.

Complete Answer:
When the conditions become unfavorable for the Amoeba to survive, it withdraws its pseudopodia and becomes a round shape. It then secretes a hard substance called cyst. The cyst then becomes a thick protective layer around the Amoeba. Inside the cyst, the nucleus goes through a process of repeated divisions to form multiple nuclei. Division of the cytoplasm follows nuclear division. Finally, many new daughter cells are produced inside the cyst. When the conditions become favorable again, cysts burst open and release the daughter cells.

Additional Information:
Amoebae are microscopic unicellular protozoans. The most well known species, Amoeba proteus, is found on decaying vegetation found at the bottom of freshwater bodies such as streams and ponds. There are also many parasitic amoebae. The identifying characteristic of amoeba is their ability to produce temporary extensions from their cytoplasm. These extensions are known as pseudopodia, which translates to false feet.

Notes:
Amoeba is a unicellular organism. It reproduces through a process called binary fission. First the genetic material replicates through mitotic division, followed by cell division. The cell division results in the formation of two, equally sized daughter cells. In this method of reproduction, two similar individuals are produced by the division of a single parent. It is a form of asexual reproduction. Cyst formation only happens under unfavorable conditions in order to protect the organism.