Question

Which of the following statements is correct about Plasmodium ?

• A. Fertilization takes place in mosquito gut
• B. Reproduces sexually in liver cells
• C. Reproduces sexually in RBCs
• D. Gametocytes develop in mosquito gut

Hint:

Humans serve as the intermediate host (where asexual reproduction occurs). Female Anopheles mosquitoes serve as the definitive host (where fertilization and sexual reproduction occur). Sporozoite is the infectious stage of the parasite that is injected into the human body.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Plasmodium is a microscopic, single-celled protozoan parasite that causes malaria.

• It has a complex, two-host (digenetic) life cycle: itemize

• Asexual cycle (in Humans): Sporozoites migrate to liver cells and reproduce asexually (schizogony). They then infect red blood cells (RBCs), reproducing asexually to release merozoites.

• Sexual stages (Gametocytes): Form and develop inside human RBCs.

• Sexual cycle (in Mosquitoes): Gametocytes are ingested by the female Anopheles mosquito, mature into gametes, and undergo

fertilization inside the mosquito's gut.
itemize

Step 1: Evaluate the statements on sexual vs. asexual phases
Option (A) is correct: Fertilization of male and female microgametes occurs in the intestinal lumen of the mosquito.
Option (B) and (C) are incorrect: Plasmodium reproduces asexually in human liver cells and RBCs.
Option (D) is incorrect: Gametocytes are produced and develop in human blood (RBCs), not inside the mosquito.