Observe the given figure and answer the given question.
Where does the fertilization and development takes place in the life cycle of Plasmodium?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Gut of mosquito
Option (1) Gut of mosquito — Correct. Gametocytes taken in with the blood form gametes, which fuse in the mosquito's stomach; the zygote develops on the gut wall.
Option (2) Salivary glands of mosquito — Incorrect. The salivary glands only store the sporozoites formed later.
Option (3) Human RBCs — Incorrect. In RBCs the parasite multiplies asexually and forms gametocytes; no fertilisation happens in man.
Option (4) Human Liver Cells — Incorrect. The liver is where the sporozoites first multiply asexually.
NCERT Extract:
Common Diseases in Humans – “… Plasmodium enters the human body as sporozoites (infectious form) through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito. The parasites initially multiply within the liver cells and then attack the red blood cells (RBCs) resulting in their rupture. The rupture of RBCs is associated with release of a toxic substance, haemozoin, which is responsible for the chill and high fever recurring every three to four days. When a female Anopheles mosquito bites an infected person, these parasites enter the mosquito’s body and undergo further development. The parasites multiply within them to form sporozoites that are stored in their salivary glands. When these mosquitoes bite a human, the sporozoites are introduced into his/ her body, thereby initiating the events mentioned above.”