How Do You Spell EXFLAGELLATION?

Pronunciation: [ɛksflˌe͡ɪd͡ʒə͡lˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Exflagellation is a scientific term commonly used in parasitology to describe the division of the malaria parasite inside a mosquito's gut. The word is pronounced /eksˌflaɡəˈleɪʃən/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The spelling originates from the Latin word "exflagellatio," which means "to whip out" or "to hurl." The prefix "ex-" means "out," while "flagellum" means "a whip." This results in the spelling "exflagellation," which denotes the expulsion of the parasite's flagellum during division.

EXFLAGELLATION Meaning and Definition

1. Exflagellation is a biological process that occurs in certain parasitic organisms, particularly protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, which are responsible for causing malaria. During this process, the male gametocyte of the parasite undergoes multiple divisions, producing a number of flagellated forms known as microgametes or exflagellates. These flagellated forms are essential for the sexual reproduction and transmission of the parasite.

   Exflagellation begins with the activation of the male gametocytes in response to favorable environmental conditions, such as the presence of certain chemicals or a rise in temperature. Once activated, the gametocytes undergo a series of morphological changes, including the release of flagella from their cytoplasm. These flagella allow the microgametes to move and actively search for the female gametes, or macrogametes.

   This process plays a crucial role in the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite. After being ingested by a female mosquito during a blood meal, the male and female gametes fuse, resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote then develops into an ookinete, which can penetrate the mosquito's gut wall and eventually give rise to a sporozoite, the infective form of the parasite.

   In conclusion, exflagellation refers to the process of male gametocytes of Plasmodium undergoing divisions and liberating flagellated microgametes. Through exflagellation, the parasite ensures its survival and transmission from one host (the human) to another (the mosquito).

Common Misspellings for EXFLAGELLATION

• exfligellation
• exllagellation

Etymology of EXFLAGELLATION

The word "exflagellation" is derived from the Latin word "exflagellatio", which is a combination of the prefix "ex-", meaning "out" or "away", and the noun "flagellatio", meaning "a flogging" or "whipping". The concept behind the etymology of "exflagellation" is related to the process of flagellation or whipping. In biology, specifically in relation to protozoa and certain parasites, exflagellation refers to the process of releasing flagellum-like structures from the organism's body.