Animal Like protists (Apicomplexa or Sporozoa) | Life cycle of Plasmodium (Malaria) |

Phylum Apicomplexa: Sporozoans The sporozoans are able to form spore-like cells, from which they get their name. Sporozoans do not have flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia. They are capable of gliding movements. All sporozoans are parasites of animals and cause disease. They are also characterized by the presence of a unique cellular structure called an apical complex. The apical complex secretes enzymes which allow the sporozoan to enter a host cell. Most sporozoans have a complex life-cycle, involving both asexual and sexual reproduction. Typically, a host is infected by ingesting cysts, which divide to produce sporozoites that enter the host's cells. Eventually, the cells burst, releasing merozoites which infect new host cells. This may occur several times until gamonts are produced. The gamonts then form gametes that fuse to create new cysts, and the cycle continues. Many sporozoans will have more than one host. This lifecyle is similar in many sporozoans. #LifeCycleOfMalarialParasite #LiecycleOfPlasmodium #Apcomplexans #Sporozoans