Definition

Noun: A form of asexual reproduction, particularly in some parasitic protozoans (like those in the sporozoan group), where the nucleus of a cell divides multiple times before the cell itself splits into many new daughter cells at once.

Usage

This is a specialized biological term used to describe a specific reproductive process in certain microorganisms. - The life cycle of the malaria parasite involves a phase of schizogony within the red blood cells. - Researchers observed the schizogony of the protozoan under the microscope.

Advanced Usage

• Adjectival Form: The process or stage can be described as schizogonic.
  • The schizogonic phase produces numerous merozoites.

Variants and Related Words

• Schizont (noun): The stage in the life cycle of a sporozoan parasite during which schizogony occurs; the multinucleated cell that will segment.
  • The mature schizont ruptured to release the merozoites.

Synonyms

• Multiple fission
• Merogony (a more specific, often synonymous term in parasitology for schizogony that produces merozoites)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Sporogony: A different phase of asexual reproduction in the same group of organisms, often occurring in a mosquito vector and involving spore formation.
• Gametogony: The sexual phase of reproduction in the same life cycle.

Noun

1. asexual reproduction by multiple fission; characteristic of many sporozoan protozoans