Biology Quiz A Q4

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Biology Quiz A Q4 On completion of their growth and maturation as trophozoites, a proportion of parasites mature into the sexual (gametocyte) stage that will be concluded within the gut of the mosquito. The stage may form male or female forms which have different size. Concerning gametocytes which statements are correct? (select all true statements) The stage arises from schizonts In P.falciparum they have a "rod" shape Microgametocytes are the female form Pigment generally forms a single clump Red cell size is generally normal Explanation of correct answer (click "Expand") Short answer taken from section "Gametocyte Biology" (see the section for full details and links). Trophozoites give rise to asexual schizonts or the sexual gametocyte form within ghost red cells (they have metabolised all haemoglobin in order to grow) - The red cell is therefore now simply a membrane that surrounds the parasite without any red colour, but generally retains any cytoplasmic dots typical of the species. Malaria pigment that represents the metabolised haem iron is prominent with different distributions that reflect the species. The appearance of gametocytes does vary according to species and this can aid morphological species identification with red cell appearances typical of the species, and (in the case of P.falciparum a distinctive straight or curved rod shape. P.falciparum In this species the gametocytes have a "rod" shape which may be constricted by the remaining red cell membrane to form a curved shape (often described as banana-shaped). Go to next question (5 of 5)