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The micrograph shows normal-sized human red blood cells, three of which are infected with the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 18
The micrograph shows normal-sized human red blood cells, three of which are infected with the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum. Which of the following is the bes... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The micrograph shows normal-sized human red blood cells, three of which are infected with the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of the following is the best estimate of the diameter of the Plasmodium?
Answer
To estimate the diameter of the Plasmodium parasite, we first recognize that Plasmodium falciparum is a small protozoan. Typically, the diameter of a Plasmodium parasite ranges from 1.5 to 3 micrometers (µm).
Given the options:
- A. 0.002 mm (equivalent to 2 µm)
- B. 0.8 mm (equivalent to 800 µm)
- C. 2 mm (equivalent to 2000 µm)
- D. 8 µm
Among these, the closest estimate is option A, which gives us a value of 0.002 mm or 2 µm.
Thus, the best answer is A. 0.002 mm.