Figure 1: Detailed conceptual rendering of the observed microorganism (*Image is a conceptual CG render)
[!NOTE] *All microorganism images used in this article are conceptual 3D CG renders.
Amoebas are single-celled organisms with no fixed outline. They move by flowing their cytoplasm to form pseudopodia (false feet), utilizing a unique method of locomotion known as amoeboid movement.
To culture them at home, boiled rice grains work excellently by moderately cultivating the bacteria that serve as their food source.
Culturing Setup Steps
- Pour mineral water into a clean petri dish.
- Place 2–3 soft, boiled rice grains in the center.
- Use a pipette to drop water containing the collected amoebas around the rice grains.
- Avoid direct sunlight and keep the container in a dark place at room temperature (around 20°C).
Starch dissolves from the rice grains, encouraging the growth of bacteria. The amoebas feed on these bacteria and will multiply exponentially within two weeks. The key to preventing decay is to replace about half of the water once a week.