How Do You Spell MEROZOITE?

1. A merozoite is a term commonly used in the field of parasitology to describe a developmental stage of certain protozoan parasites, particularly of the Plasmodium genus. Plasmodium parasites are responsible for causing malaria, a severe and potentially life-threatening disease in humans. Merozoites are a crucial stage in the Plasmodium life cycle as they are responsible for the multiplication and spread of the parasite within the host.

   During the asexual replication cycle, merozoites are formed by the division of the infected host's red blood cells. Once released from the infected cell, merozoites target and invade new red blood cells, where they multiply through a process known as schizogony. This rapid multiplication enables the parasite to overcome the host's immune system and cause extensive damage, leading to the characteristic symptoms of malaria.

   Merozoites possess a unique structural adaptation known as an apical complex, which consists of specialized organelles required for host cell invasion. These include micronemes, rhoptries, and dense granules, which collectively play crucial roles in recognizing and penetrating the host cell membrane.

   Understanding the biology and behavior of merozoites is crucial for the development of effective strategies to combat malaria. Targeting merozoite invasion mechanisms is an important avenue for the development of antimalarial drugs and vaccines.

2. One of the segments resulting from the fission or gemmation of the schizont.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MEROZOITE

The word "merozoite" has its etymology rooted in the merging of two terms from Greek and Latin.

The first part, "mero-", comes from the Greek word "meros", which means "part" or "segment".

The second part, "-zoite", is derived from the Latin "zoa" or "zoon", both meaning "animal" or "living being".

When combined, "merozoite" refers to a stage in the life cycle of certain parasites, such as the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria. Merozoites are a segmented or divided form of the parasite, which can infect and replicate within host cells.

Similar spelling words for MEROZOITE

Plural form of MEROZOITE is MEROZOITES