Which of the following statements best describes how humans are infected by the malaria parasite?
A)In the hemolymph of the mosquito,the gametocytes mature,migrate to the salivary glands,and are injected into the host when the mosquito feeds.
B)In the mosquito's digestive tract the parasite produces oocysts,which migrate to the salivary glands,and are injected into the host when the mosquito feeds.
C)In the mosquito's digestive tract the parasite produces gametocytes,which migrate to the salivary glands,and are injected into the host when the mosquito feeds.
D)In the mosquito's digestive tract the parasite develops into infective sporozoites,which travel to the salivary glands,and are injected into the host when the mosquito feeds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The malaria parasite (Plasmodium species) undergoes several stages within the mosquito vector. Ultimately, the parasites develop into sporozoites in the salivary glands of the mosquito. These sporozoites are injected into humans when the mosquito feeds on human blood, leading to infection. Option D correctly describes this process. Option A is incorrect because gametocytes, not sporozoites, are found in the mosquito hemolymph. Option B is incorrect because oocysts are not injected into humans. Option C is incorrect because gametocytes do not develop into sporozoites within the mosquito.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes How Humans Are