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| ===Example of a Protozoal Life Cycle=== | | ===Example of a Protozoal Life Cycle=== |
− | [[Image:Coccidia.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Coccidia - Joel Mills]] | + | See [[Coccidia]] |
− | ''The following refers specifically to the life cycle of Coccidia spp.''
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− | *The '''oocyst''' is the resistant stage in the environment
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− | *The infective '''sporozoite''' is released from the oocyst
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− | *Inside the host, the sporozoites invade the intestinal epithelial tissue
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− | **Sporozoites feed and grow
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− | *As the sporozoite grows the nucleus divides forming a '''schizont'''
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− | *The schizont contains numerous elongated '''merozoites'''
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− | *The formation of merozoites is the first asexual reproductive stage called '''schizogony'''
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− | *The schizont ruptures releasing the merozoites which also invade the epithelial cells
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− | *Another generation of schizonts form which is the beginning of the sexual phase of reproduction called '''gametogony'''
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− | *The merozoites form male '''microgamonts''' or female '''macrogamonts'''
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− | **Collectively known as gamonts or gametocytes
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− | *The microgamonts released from the microgametocyte penetrate and fertilise the macrogamont (which is contained within the macrogametocyte)
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− | *Gametogony forms the '''zygote'''
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− | **Surrounded by a cyst wall
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− | **Forms the '''oocyst'''
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− | *The oocyst is passed in the faeces and is unsporulated
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− | *The oocyst becomes sporulated in the second asexual reproductive phase called '''sporogony'''
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− | *Once the oocyst is sporulated it is infective
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| ==Protozoa of Veterinary Importance== | | ==Protozoa of Veterinary Importance== |