Question:medium

Describe the different steps in the sexual mode of reproduction in the life cycle of a malarial parasite from the time of its initiation till where it is completed and ready to start a fresh cycle.}

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Remember: The mosquito is the definitive host for Plasmodium because sexual reproduction occurs in its body.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

The malarial parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in the *Anopheles* mosquito through the following stages: Gametocyte Ingestion: Gametocytes develop within the human host and are consumed by a female *Anopheles* mosquito during a blood meal. Fertilization: Male and female gametocytes unite within the mosquito's digestive tract, forming a zygote. Motile Zygote Formation: The zygote transforms into an actively moving ookinete, which then breaches the mosquito's gut lining. Oocyst Development: The ookinete develops into an oocyst attached to the mosquito's intestinal wall. Sporozoite Production: The oocyst undergoes numerous divisions to generate sporozoites, which then migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands. Cycle Completion: Upon feeding, the mosquito injects the sporozoites into a new human host, thereby concluding the reproductive cycle. - Sexual reproduction of the Plasmodium parasite takes place in the mosquito, which serves as the definitive host, while asexual reproduction occurs in humans, the intermediate host.- Sporozoites transmitted into the human circulatory system travel to the liver, initiating the subsequent phase of asexual reproduction.
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