Scanning electron microscopic observations of the oocyst, sporoblast and sporozoite of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii.
Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface characteristics of the oocyst, sporoblast and sporozoite of Plasmodium yoelii yoelii. Observations were made of the sporogonic stages of 6-12 day infections of the malaria parasite in Anopheles stephensi. Oocyst and sporoblast development were not synchronous. The surface of the undifferentiated (early stage) oocyst appeared smooth, whereas that of differentiated (late stage) oocysts were rough or wrinkled. The wall of the differentiated oocysts showed numerous micropores at higher magnification (x15,000-20,000) the biological significance of which is not known. Small, bud-like satellite bodies were seen attached to some oocysts. Various forms of different stages of the sporoblast were described. Sporozoite budding took place on the surface of the sporoblast body. The sporozoite was elongate, curved and with a blunt anterior end.
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000469:parasitology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*