Pseudopods or pseudopodia (singular: pseudopodium) (from the Greek word ψευδοπόδια, ψευδός "fake, false" + πόδια "feet") are temporary projections of eukaryotic cells. Cells that possess this faculty are generally referred to as amoeboids. Pseudopodia extend and contract by the reversible assembly of actin subunits into microfilaments. Filaments near the cell's end interact with myosin which causes contraction. The pseudopodium extends itself until the actin reassembles itself into a network. This is how amoebas move, as well as some cells found in animals, such as white blood cells. They are most commonly found on eubacteria.
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Famous quotes containing the word pseudopodia:
“The will to power can express itself only against resistances; it seeks that which resists itthis is the native tendency of the amoeba when it extends its pseudopodia and gropes around.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)