Which type of cellular process is most likely used by an amoeba to obtain food?

• A. Facilitated diffusion
• B. Phagocytosis
• C. Osmosis
• D. Exocytosis

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem asks which cellular process an amoeba uses to obtain food. Amoebas are single-celled organisms that engulf food particles, so we need to identify the process that matches this behavior.
2. Review the options: Facilitated diffusion involves the passive transport of molecules across a membrane via protein channels, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane, exocytosis is the release of substances from the cell, and phagocytosis is the engulfing of large particles or cells.
3. Focus on the behavior of amoebas: Amoebas extend their pseudopodia (temporary projections of their cytoplasm) to surround and engulf food particles, forming a food vacuole. This process is a type of endocytosis specifically called phagocytosis.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and exocytosis do not involve engulfing food particles. Phagocytosis is the correct process for obtaining food in this case.
5. Conclude: The cellular process most likely used by an amoeba to obtain food is phagocytosis, as it involves engulfing and internalizing food particles.