Question

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.

Answer 1

In the sexual mode of reproduction in the malaria parasite's life cycle, several steps occur:

1. Gametocyte Development: Infected red blood cells give rise to male and female gametocytes.
2. Mosquito Ingestion: When a mosquito feeds on a person, it eats both the blood and the gametocytes.
3. Fusion and Zygote Formation: Male and female gametocytes join together to make zygotes inside the gut of a mosquito.
4. Sporozoite Formation: Zygotes turn into sporozoites, which are made by dividing many times.
5. Migration to Salivary Glands: Sporozoites move to the mosquito's salivary glands so they are ready to infect another person when they bite again. This completes the sexual cycle and starts a new infection.