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 develop in human blood and are taken up by a mosquito during a blood meal. Fertilization occurs in the mosquito's gut, forming a zygote. The zygote develops into an ookinete and then an oocyst. Sporozoites are released from the oocyst and migrate to the salivary glands, ready to infect another human.