merozoite
Quick Summary
A merozoite is a stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic protozoans, specifically those in the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria. These single-celled organisms infect red blood cells in mammals, birds, and reptiles.12
The life cycle involves the merozoite being released from liver cells into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, merozoites invade red blood cells, where they multiply. This multiplication and subsequent rupture of red blood cells lead to the periodic chills and fever characteristic of malaria. Some merozoites can develop into gametocytes, which are then transmitted to mosquitoes, continuing the parasite's life cycle.13
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Plasmodiumstages—gametocytes, sporozoites, and merozoites. Gametocytes within a mosquito develop into sporozoites. The sporozoites are transmitted via the saliva of a feeding mosquito to the human bloodstream. From there they enter liver parenchyma cells, where they divide and form merozoites. The merozoites are released into the bloodstream and infect…
Read Morestages—gametocytes, sporozoites, and merozoites. Gametocytes within a mosquito develop into sporozoites. The sporozoites are transmitted via the saliva of a feeding mosquito to the human bloodstream. From there they enter liver parenchyma cells, where they divide and form merozoites. The merozoites are released into the bloodstream and infect…
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protozoanParasitic protozoan life cycles…(schizogony) into many individuals (merozoites). The host’s cell wall ruptures, permitting each individual to invade a new red blood cell and repeat the process.
Read More…(schizogony) into many individuals (merozoites). The host’s cell wall ruptures, permitting each individual to invade a new red blood cell and repeat the process.
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