Sporozoa

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Sporozoa

Sporozoa (pronounced: /spɔːrəˈzoʊ.ə/; from the Greek sporos meaning "seed" and zōon meaning "animal") is a large group of parasitic protozoa, most of which have life cycles involving both asexual and sexual reproduction.

Etymology

The term "Sporozoa" is derived from the Greek words sporos which means "seed" and zōon which means "animal". This name is in reference to the spore-like stage in their life cycle.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Sporozoa typically involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The asexual phase, or schizogony, involves multiple fissions of the nucleus, followed by cytoplasmic division, producing numerous daughter cells. The sexual phase, or gametogony, involves the fusion of two gametes and the formation of an oocyst that eventually releases the infective sporozoites.

Pathogenicity

Many Sporozoa are pathogenic and cause diseases in humans and other animals. For example, the genus Plasmodium is responsible for malaria, while Cryptosporidium can cause a diarrheal disease called cryptosporidiosis.

Treatment

Treatment of diseases caused by Sporozoa typically involves the use of antiparasitic drugs. For example, chloroquine and artemisinin are commonly used to treat malaria.

Related Terms

External links

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