Infective stage of a Protozoan (Amoeba)?
cyst
The infective stage of a protozoan amoeba is typically the cyst stage.
A cyst is a protective covering that forms around the amoeba’s cell membrane when it gets exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions or when it runs out of its food source in the environment. The cyst allows the amoeba to survive in harsh conditions and facilitates its dispersion to new habitats.
During the cyst stage, the amoeba’s metabolic activities are slowed down, and it is not able to move or take in any nutrients. However, the cyst provides a durable and robust structure that helps the amoeba to survive outside its host for extended periods.
Once the environmental conditions improve, the cysts will germinate, and the amoebas will be released to resume their growth and feeding activities, adapting to appropriate habitats. In some cases, the cysts may also serve as a means of transmission to other hosts or environments they might encounter.
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