Amoebae play a key role in nutrient cycling by feeding on bacteria and algae, thereby releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem and maintaining microbial balance in soil and aquatic habitats
As model organisms in cell biology, Amoeba proteus and related species have been used to elucidate fundamental processes such as phagocytosis, cell motility, and signal transduction, providing insights applicable to human health and disease
Certain pathogenic amoebae (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica) are of medical significance because they cause amoebic dysentery and liver abscesses in humans, prompting development of treatments and public health measures to control water-borne diseases