Man in the life cycle of Plasmodium is

Options

A. primary host
B. secondary host
C. intermediate host
D. none of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Life Cycle of Plasmodium**: Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protists that cause malaria. Its life cycle involves two hosts: a primary host (human) and a secondary host (Anopheles mosquito).

2. **Entry into the Human Body**: The life cycle begins when the Plasmodium parasite enters the human body through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. It travels to the red blood cells (RBCs).

3. **Infection of RBCs**: Once inside the human body, Plasmodium infects the RBCs. This is a crucial step as it allows the parasite to multiply and thrive within the host.

4. **Migration to the Liver**: After infecting the RBCs, the Plasmodium moves to the liver where it undergoes further multiplication. This stage is essential for the development of the parasite.

5. **Role of the Anopheles Mosquito**: The Anopheles mosquito acts as the secondary host. It is responsible for transmitting the parasite from one human to another. When the mosquito bites an infected human, it takes in the Plasmodium, which then develops within the mosquito.

6. **Identifying the Host Types**: In this life cycle, humans are the primary host because the parasite undergoes its sexual reproduction in the mosquito (secondary host) and asexual reproduction in the human. The term "intermediate host" is often used to refer to a host where the parasite undergoes development but does not reach maturity.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the roles of the hosts in the life cycle of Plasmodium, we conclude that humans are the primary host.

**Final Answer**: Man in the life cycle of Plasmodium is the primary host.

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