Plasmodium is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that are transmitted through mosquito bites and cause malaria. In host blood cells, Plasmodium can be observed in different developmental stages, including the ring form, the young trophozoite, and the multinucleate schizont.

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Protists are a diverse, polyphyletic group of eukaryotic organisms that do not form a single formal taxon. They can be unicellular or multicellular and vary widely in their morphology, reproductive strategies, nutritional acquisition, and methods of locomotion, which may involve contractile vacuoles, cilia, flagella, pellicles, or pseudopodia, though some lack organelles like mitochondria. Their taxonomy is rapidly changing as relationships are reassessed using newer techniques, and they include significant pathogens and parasites.

Protists

Apicomplexans are a subgroup of the Chromalveolata supergroup that function as intra- or extracellular parasites. They are characterized by having an apical complex at one end of the cell that allows them to enter host cells, and they exhibit complex life cycles that often require transmission between multiple hosts.

Apicomplexans

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Plankton are aquatic microorganisms that drift or float in water currents rather than swimming actively.

Plankton

Historically, protists have been informally categorized into three distinct groups based on their characteristics: the animal-like protozoans, the plant-like algae, and the fungus-like protists (such as water molds).

Groups of Protists

Percolozoa is a phylum of eukaryotic protozoans that are classified as distant relatives of the supergroup Amoebozoa.

Percolozoa

Plasmodium

Cryptosporidium is a genus of apicomplexans that causes cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium

Theileria is a genus of apicomplexans, sometimes associated with Babesia, that causes babeiosis.

Theileria

Toxoplasma is a genus of apicomplexans that causes toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma

The apical complex is a specialized concentration of organelles, vacuoles, and microtubules located at one end of an apicomplexan cell. This structure enables the parasite to penetrate and enter host cells.

Apical Complex

A sporozoite is an infective cell stage in the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites that undergoes schizogony to produce numerous merozoites.

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