Explain the lifecycle of the plasmodium parasite. Describe the vector Anopheles gambiae under the following headings: Classification according to animal taxonomy, Morphology, Life... Explain the lifecycle of the plasmodium parasite. Describe the vector Anopheles gambiae under the following headings: Classification according to animal taxonomy, Morphology, Life cycle, Behavior of adults, Control measures. With the aid of a diagram, explain the life cycle of Musca domestica and its public health importance. Give three reasons why insecticide are formulated and describe four types of insecticide formulation.
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Understand the Problem
The question is asking for detailed explanations regarding the life cycles of certain parasites and insects, as well as specific biological classifications and significance. It requires knowledge of parasitology and entomology.
Answer
Plasmodium uses humans and mosquitoes for reproduction. Anopheles gambiae is a malaria vector with four life stages. Musca domestica transmits diseases. Insecticides are formulated for stability, application, and safety; main types include EC, WP, Granules, and Aerosols.
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Lifecycle of Plasmodium Parasite: Plasmodium has a complex lifecycle involving two hosts: the human (intermediate host) and the Anopheles mosquito (definitive host). In humans, sporozoites enter the bloodstream, infect liver cells, and multiply into merozoites. These invade red blood cells, leading to symptoms. Some merozoites develop into gametocytes, which mosquitoes ingest. Inside mosquitoes, gametocytes mature and fuse into zygotes, which develop into sporozoites, completing the cycle.
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Anopheles gambiae:
- Classification: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Diptera, Family: Culicidae.
- Morphology: Slender body, long legs, and narrow wings with distinctive scale patterns.
- Life Cycle: Consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
- Behavior of Adults: Nocturnal feeding, attracted to humans by CO2 and body heat.
- Control Measures: Insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and larvicides.
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Life Cycle of Musca domestica: Egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult stages; complete metamorphosis.
- Public Health Importance: Transmit diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery by contaminating food and surfaces.
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Reasons for Insecticide Formulation:
- Enhance stability and effectiveness.
- Ease of application.
- Reduce toxicity to humans and non-target species.
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Types of Insecticide Formulation:
- Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)
- Wettable Powders (WP)
- Granules (G)
- Aerosols
Answer for screen readers
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Lifecycle of Plasmodium Parasite: Plasmodium has a complex lifecycle involving two hosts: the human (intermediate host) and the Anopheles mosquito (definitive host). In humans, sporozoites enter the bloodstream, infect liver cells, and multiply into merozoites. These invade red blood cells, leading to symptoms. Some merozoites develop into gametocytes, which mosquitoes ingest. Inside mosquitoes, gametocytes mature and fuse into zygotes, which develop into sporozoites, completing the cycle.
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Anopheles gambiae:
- Classification: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Diptera, Family: Culicidae.
- Morphology: Slender body, long legs, and narrow wings with distinctive scale patterns.
- Life Cycle: Consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
- Behavior of Adults: Nocturnal feeding, attracted to humans by CO2 and body heat.
- Control Measures: Insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and larvicides.
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Life Cycle of Musca domestica: Egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult stages; complete metamorphosis.
- Public Health Importance: Transmit diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery by contaminating food and surfaces.
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Reasons for Insecticide Formulation:
- Enhance stability and effectiveness.
- Ease of application.
- Reduce toxicity to humans and non-target species.
-
Types of Insecticide Formulation:
- Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)
- Wettable Powders (WP)
- Granules (G)
- Aerosols
More Information
Plasmodium, responsible for malaria, requires both human and mosquito hosts to complete its lifecycle. Anopheles gambiae is a key vector for malaria in Africa. Musca domestica, or the common housefly, is notorious for spreading infectious diseases worldwide.
Tips
When describing life cycles, ensure all stages are covered, noting specific characteristics of each stage.
Sources
- Life Cycle of Anopheles Mosquitoes - CDC - cdc.gov
- Malaria parasite life cycle - Malaria Vaccine Initiative - malariavaccine.org
- Plasmodium—a brief introduction to the parasites causing human ... - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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