What are temporary cytoplasmic extensions used for movement or feeding called?

Prepare for the DIVE Biology Quarterly Exam 2 with multiple choice questions, flashcards, hints, and explanations. Strengthen your understanding and ace your upcoming test!

The term used for temporary cytoplasmic extensions that aid in movement or feeding is pseudopodia. These extensions are characteristic of certain types of cells, particularly amoeboid cells, allowing them to reach out and envelop food particles or propel themselves through their environment. Pseudopodia can change shape and allow for a form of locomotion known as amoeboid movement, where the cell can temporarily extend and retract these protrusions.

In contrast, pellicles refer to thin layers that provide structural support in some single-celled organisms, particularly protists, but they do not serve the function of movement or feeding. Cysts are dormant forms of some microorganisms that can survive unfavorable conditions, and they do not facilitate movement. Eyespots are specialized structures that help organisms detect light, aiding in navigation but not in movement or feeding. Thus, the role of pseudopodia in providing both locomotion and the ability to capture food makes it the correct answer.

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