genus plasmodium
Học thuậtThân thiện
A scientist examines a slide showing the genus Plasmodium under a microscope.
Definition
Noun: - The type genus of the family Plasmodiidae: This is the genus name for a group of parasitic protozoans, including the species that cause malaria in various animals. The most significant species within this genus infect humans.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The life cycle of genus Plasmodium involves both a mosquito vector and a vertebrate host.
- Scientists study genus Plasmodium to develop new malaria treatments.
Advanced Usage
- In formal biological and medical contexts, the term is used to classify and discuss the specific parasites. It is often followed by the species name (e.g., ).
- Research focused on the evolutionary history of genus Plasmodium has revealed key insights.
Variants and Related Words
- Plasmodiidae (n): The family to which this genus belongs.
- Plasmodial (adj): Of or relating to the genus or its life stage (e.g., the plasmodial stage in the mosquito).
- Plasmodium (n): When not italicized and used in a general sense, it can refer to the multinucleate mass of protoplasm characteristic of certain slime molds, which is a different biological entity.
Synonyms
- Malaria parasite genus: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary medical significance.
Notes on Meaning
- Primary Meaning: In taxonomy and parasitology, it strictly refers to the genus of apicomplexan parasites.
- Common Confusion: It is distinct from the general term "plasmodium" used in mycology (for slime molds). The genus name is always italicized, with the first letter capitalized.
A scientist examines a slide showing the genus Plasmodium under a microscope.
Noun
- type genus of the family Plasmodiidae