Question

(ii) Describe the different steps in the sexual mode of reproduction in the life cycle of a malarial parasite.

Hint:

The life cycle of Plasmodium alternates between humans (asexual phase) and mosquitoes (sexual phase).

Answer 1

Gametocytes form in human blood and are ingested by a mosquito during feeding. Fertilization in the mosquito's gut creates a zygote. This zygote transforms into an ookinete, then an oocyst. Sporozoites emerge from the oocyst and move to the salivary glands, preparing to infect a new human host.