Question

During the life cycle of Plasmodium, sexual reproduction takes place in :

• A. Human
• B. Female Anopheles mosquito
• C. Male Anopheles mosquito
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Hint:

Always remember: The host where the sexual phase occurs is the "Primary Host". For Malaria, that is the Mosquito.
Asexual Phase = Human; Sexual Phase = Mosquito.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plasmodium, the malarial parasite, is a digenetic organism that requires two hosts to complete its life cycle.
The human acts as the secondary or intermediate host, while the female Anopheles mosquito acts as the primary or definitive host.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In humans, the parasite undergoes asexual reproduction (schizogony) in liver cells and red blood cells.
Sexual stages, called gametocytes, develop in the human RBCs but do not fuse there.
When a female Anopheles mosquito bites an infected human, it ingests these gametocytes.
The actual sexual reproduction (fertilization and zygote formation) occurs within the mosquito's gut (intestine).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Sexual reproduction of Plasmodium occurs in the female Anopheles mosquito.