1. How do protozoa reproduce? Give 1 example for each type.

• Fission: One protozoan cell split into two. Example is the Blantidium coli
• Schizogony: A form of asexual reproduction characteristic of certain protozoa, including
sporozoa, in which daughter cells are produced by multiple fission of the nucleus of the parasite
followed by segmentation of the cytoplasm to form separate masses around each smaller
nucleus. Example is the Isospora belli
• Budding: Buds form around a nucleus and pinch off of the parent cell. Example is the Vorticella
campanula
2. In a tabular form, compare and contrast cyst from trophozoite stages of the protozoa.
Cyst A cyst refers to a dormant Formed in A dormant Transmission Spherical 40-60 µm
stage of a protozoan that a process stage of state of in shape in
helps to survive in called protozoans protozoans diameter
unfavorable environmental encystation
conditions
Trophozoites A trophozoite refers to Formed in An active Disease- Oval and pointed 50-130 µm
the growing stage of the a process and causing state from long and
parasitic protozoans called reproductive of the anterior end 20-
that absorb nutrients excystation stage of protozoans 70 µm in
from the host protozoans wide

Covered Non-motile Infective Non- Contain a single, Contain a Resistance to Can survive
with a reproductive kidney- contractile water and outside the
Cyst thick, structures shaped, vacuole and a dessication host
hard wall macronucleus cell wall
with two
layers
Surface is Exhibit Non- Reproduce Contain a Contain a Consist of a Cannot
covered rotary or infective through kidney-shaped funnel-shaped liable cell survive
with cilia boring binary macronucleus cytostome and membrane, outside
Trophozoites motility fission and a spherical- two and are not the host
shaped contractile resistance
micronucleus vacuoles. structures

3. Enumerate two conditions that may lead to transformation of cyst to trophozoite stage.
• Incubated at optimum temperature like body temperature.
• In a neutral pH environment.
4. Enumerate two conditions that may lead to transformation of trophozoite to cyst stage.
• pH changes (too acidic or too basic)
• available of oxygen (too much or too little)

Reference:

https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Book%3A_Microbiology_(Kaiser)/Unit_4%3A_Euka
ryotic_Microorganisms_and_Viruses/09%3A_Protozoa/9.1%3A_Characteristics_of_Protozoa#:~:text=Pr
otozoa%20reproduce%20asexually%20by%20fission,protozoan%20is%20called%20a%20trophozoite.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24832816/

Ian Paul G. Guanzon