The sporogonic phase of Plasmodium occurs in ___________.


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

Verified step by step guidance

1. 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.
2. Recall that the sporogonic phase is the stage where sexual reproduction and sporozoite formation occur, which is essential for transmission to a new host.
3. Identify the location where the sporogonic phase takes place by considering the vector involved in malaria transmission, which is the Anopheles mosquito.
4. Recognize that during the sporogonic phase, the parasite undergoes development inside the mosquito, forming sporozoites that migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands.
5. Conclude that the correct answer corresponds to the environment where the sporogonic phase occurs, which is the Anopheles mosquito.

Key Concepts

Life Cycle of Plasmodium

Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, has a complex life cycle involving both human and mosquito hosts. It includes stages like sporozoites, merozoites, and gametocytes, each occurring in specific cells or organisms. Understanding these stages is essential to identify where sporogony happens.

Sporogonic Phase

The sporogonic phase is the sexual reproduction stage of Plasmodium that occurs after gametocytes are taken up by a mosquito. During this phase, zygotes develop into sporozoites within the mosquito, which are then transmitted to humans. This phase is crucial for the parasite's transmission cycle.

Role of Anopheles Mosquito in Malaria Transmission

Anopheles mosquitoes serve as the definitive host for Plasmodium, where sexual reproduction and sporogony occur. The mosquito facilitates the development of sporozoites, which migrate to its salivary glands and infect humans during a bite, completing the parasite's life cycle.