Q61 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (26 April Shift 1) · Biology

Given below are two statements.
Statement I - Sporozoites of Plasmodium reproduce asexually to produce merozoites.
Statement II - Zygote of Plasmodium within the erythrocytes transforms into oocyst.
In the light of above statements, choose the correct option given below:

  • A
    Both statement I and statement II are correct.
  • B
    Both statement I and statement II are incorrect.
  • Correct answer
    C
    Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
  • D
    Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.

Solution

Statement I is correct because sporozoites of Plasmodium enter the human body through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, reach the liver cells, and reproduce asexually (schizogony) to produce a large number of merozoites.

Statement II is incorrect because the zygote of Plasmodium is formed in the stomach (midgut) of the female Anopheles mosquito, not in human erythrocytes. The gametocytes are taken up by the mosquito during a blood meal, and fertilization occurs in its gut. The resulting zygote develops into a motile ookinete, which penetrates the gut wall and transforms into an oocyst.

Answer: Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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