Which of the following statements is correct about Plasmodium?
- Fertilization takes place in mosquito gut
- Reproduces sexually in liver cells
- Reproduces sexually in RBCs
- Gametocytes develop in mosquito gut
Answer
(1) Fertilization takes place in mosquito gut
Solution
As per NCERT (life cycle of Plasmodium):
In human liver cells and RBCs, Plasmodium reproduces asexually ⇒ (2) and (3) are incorrect.
The sexual stages (gametocytes) develop in the RBCs of the human host ⇒ (4) is incorrect.
When a female Anopheles mosquito takes up gametocytes with blood, fertilisation and further development take place in the mosquito's gut (stomach) ⇒ (1) is correct.
Answer: (1)