Macromerozoite is a term used in the field of parasitology, referring to a development stage of certain unicellular organisms. The spelling of this word is derived from the combination of three morphemes: "macro-" meaning large, "merozoite" which is a specific type of cell, and "-zoite," meaning a motile stage of a protozoan parasite. The phonetic transcription of macromerozoite is /ˌmækroʊˌmɛrəʊˈzoʊaɪt/, with stress on the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable.
Macromerozoite is a term used in the field of parasitology to describe a specific developmental stage of certain protozoan parasites, particularly those belonging to the genus Eimeria. These parasites are known to cause coccidiosis, a contagious disease that affects a wide range of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
A macromerozoite refers to a large, fully differentiated form of the merozoite, which is the asexual reproductive stage in the life cycle of these parasites. Merozoites are produced after multiple rounds of asexual replication, resulting in the formation of numerous daughter cells. These daughter cells then differentiate into either micro- or macromerozoites.
Macromerozoites are characterized by their relatively larger size compared to micromerozoites. They also possess unique organelles and structures, including a distinct nucleus and cytoplasmic granules. These features are essential for their ability to invade and infect host cells of the affected animal.
Upon being released into the host's intestinal tract, macromerozoites locate and attach themselves to the surface or lining of specific cells, where they penetrate and enter. Once inside the host cells, they undergo further development and replication, eventually leading to the formation of new merozoites, which will continue the cycle of infection and disease progression.
Understanding the biology and life cycle of macromerozoites is crucial in the development of effective strategies for controlling and preventing coccidiosis in animals, as it allows for targeted interventions aimed at disrupting this specific stage of the parasite's life cycle.
A large merozoite.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "macromerozoite" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Macro-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "makros", meaning "large" or "long".
2. "Merozoite" is a term commonly used in parasitology, which refers to a stage in the life cycle of certain parasites, such as malaria or Babesia. "Mero-" is a combining form derived from the Greek "meros", meaning "part" or "segment", and "zoite" originates from the Greek word "zōion", meaning "living being" or "animal".
Therefore, "macromerozoite" can be interpreted as a large or long segment/part of a parasite's life cycle, specifically referring to the merozoite stage.