Chapter 1-3: Cysts, Hosts, and Reproduction in Parasites

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to cysts, hosts, and fungal reproduction from Chapters 1–3.

cyst

Infective stage of most protozoa that can survive outside the host for months; excreted in feces and resistant to chlorination, UV exposure, and freezing.

excystment (excystation)

The process by which a cyst releases the trophozoite after exposure to stomach acid, allowing activation of the parasite.

trophozoite

Feeding and growing stage of a protozoan; reproduces asexually and may float freely or attach to the intestinal mucosa.

fecal-oral route

Transmission route by ingesting cysts via contaminated food or water.

vector

Arthropod carrying pathogenic microorganisms that can transmit disease during feeding.

definitive host

Host in which sexual reproduction of the parasite takes place.

intermediate host

Host in which asexual reproduction occurs; in these notes, the human is described as an intermediate host for certain parasites.

binary fission

A form of asexual reproduction where the cell divides to form two daughter cells; can occur in multiple steps.

proglottid

A mature segment of a tapeworm containing a complete reproductive system and thousands of eggs.

beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata)

Tapeworm in which humans are the definitive host; feces contain mature proglottids and eggs.

eggs

Eggs contained in proglottids that, when ingested by a new host, hatch and release larvae.

larvae

Young parasite that hatches from eggs and migrates through the intestinal wall to reach muscle tissue.

encyst (encystment)

Formation of a cyst by larvae in muscle tissue, allowing the parasite to persist.

fragmentation

Asexual reproduction in fungi where hyphae break into pieces that can form new organisms.

hyphae

Filamentous strands of fungi that can fragment to produce new individuals.

sporulate

Produce spores when conditions are unfavorable, enabling survival and spread.

plasmogamy

Fusion of the cytoplasm between donor and recipient fungal cells during sexual reproduction.

karyogamy

Fusion of nuclei of the donor and recipient cells, forming a diploid zygote nucleus.

meiosis

Nuclear division following karyogamy that produces haploid nuclei or sexual spores.

haploid

Cell with a single set of chromosomes.

diploid

Cell with two sets of chromosomes.

sexual spores

Spores produced after meiosis; contribute to genetic diversity among offspring.

donor spore (plus)

The mating-type spore that contributes genetic material in fungal sexual reproduction.

recipient spore (minus)

The mating-type spore that receives genetic material in fungal sexual reproduction.