The growing stage of a protozoan parasite is called which of the following?

The growing stage of a protozoan parasite is called which of the following?

• A. Sporozoite
• B. Cysts
• C. Trophozoite
• D. Merozoite

Answer: (C)

In many protozoan parasites, the growing, actively feeding form is called the trophozoite. This stage is metabolically active, enlarging as it consumes nutrients and often preparing to reproduce. Cysts are the dormant, resistant form that survives harsh conditions, not a growing stage. Sporozoites are infectious forms that kick off infection in the host, while merozoites arise from replication inside the host and go on to invade new cells. So the growing stage, the one that’s actively feeding and expanding, is the trophozoite.

In many protozoan parasites, the growing, actively feeding form is called the trophozoite. This stage is metabolically active, enlarging as it consumes nutrients and often preparing to reproduce. Cysts are the dormant, resistant form that survives harsh conditions, not a growing stage. Sporozoites are infectious forms that kick off infection in the host, while merozoites arise from replication inside the host and go on to invade new cells. So the growing stage, the one that’s actively feeding and expanding, is the trophozoite.