Question

Schizogony in malarial parasite results in
A. Merozoites
B. Ookinetes
C. Sporozoites
D. Schizonts

Answer 1

Hint: Schizogony refers to a replicative mechanism in which, without cytoplasmic division, the parasite undergoes several rounds of nuclear division accompanied by a budding to form progeny, or segmentation. Following the rupture of the host hepatocyte, the offspring, called merozoites, are released into the circulatory system.

Complete Answer:
During the schizont stage, there is replication of DNA many times without cytokinesis (multiple fission). The schizonts then start to undergo cytokinesis or cellular segmentation and differentiation in order to form 16-18 cells called merozoite cells. This happens in the erythrocytes or RBC of human hosts.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

Additional information:
When discussing malarial pathogens, it is important to consider the life cycle of Plasmodium, as the terms that could function at one of several separate stages during the parasite life cycle. However some main vocabulary words must be identified before addressing the life cycle of Plasmodium. The feeding stage of a protozoan parasite is a trophozoite. Schizogony is the asexual reproduction process during which the nucleus undergoes separation prior to the division of the cells. Schizogony generates merozoite-known daughter cells that can turn into gametocytes or enter new host cells and undergo another schizogony cycle. Gametocytes, originating from merozoites, are cells which can grow into gametes.

Note: Plasmodium is a genus of malaria-causing parasitic protozoans of the sporozoan subclass Coccidia. In mammals (including humans), birds and reptiles, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells, occurs globally, especially in tropical and temperate zones.