The sporogonic phase of Plasmodium occurs in ___________.

a. red blood cells
b. liver cells
c. schizonts
d. Anopheles mosquitoes

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the life cycle of Plasmodium, the parasite responsible for malaria, which includes several phases: the exoerythrocytic phase (in liver cells), erythrocytic phase (in red blood cells), and the sporogonic phase.

Recall that the sporogonic phase is the sexual reproduction phase of Plasmodium, where gametocytes develop into sporozoites.

Identify the location where the sexual reproduction and development of sporozoites occur, which is outside the human host.

Recognize that this phase takes place inside the vector, specifically the Anopheles mosquito, where the parasite undergoes sporogony.

Conclude that the correct answer corresponds to the environment where the sporogonic phase occurs, which is the Anopheles mosquito.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Life Cycle of Plasmodium

Plasmodium, the parasite causing malaria, has a complex life cycle involving both human and mosquito hosts. It undergoes different developmental stages, including asexual reproduction in humans and sexual reproduction in mosquitoes, which is essential for transmission.

Sporogonic Phase

The sporogonic phase is the sexual reproduction stage of Plasmodium that occurs inside the mosquito vector. During this phase, zygotes develop into sporozoites, which migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, ready to infect a new human host.

Role of Anopheles Mosquito

Anopheles mosquitoes serve as the definitive host for Plasmodium, where the sexual cycle (sporogony) takes place. This mosquito species is crucial for malaria transmission, as it carries and transmits the infectious sporozoite stage to humans.

Recommended video:

Guided course