ZOL1603 Assignment 5 Solutions 2026
UNISA
Opened: Monday, 31 August 2026, 8:00 AM
Due: Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 9:00 PM
ZOOLOGY ASSIGNMENT
, QUESTION 1
(a) Study the diagram and answer the questions
The organism shown is Trypanosoma, a flagellated protozoan parasite.
(i) What is the name and disease caused by this organism?
The organism is Trypanosoma, particularly Trypanosoma brucei. It causes African
trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.
(ii) What animal acts as a reservoir source for this highly pathogenic organism?
Cattle and other wild mammals can act as reservoir hosts, particularly for
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
(iii) Where in the human body will you locate this parasite?
The parasite is found mainly in the blood and lymphatic system and, in advanced
infections, it can enter the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system.
(iv) Explain the term “vector”.
A vector is a living organism, usually an arthropod, that carries and transmits a disease-
causing organism from one host to another. In the case of sleeping sickness, the tsetse
fly acts as the vector by transmitting Trypanosoma during its blood meal.
(b) Describe the three types of protozoan locomotion.
Protozoans move from one place to another using specialised structures or
movements. The three main forms of locomotion are amoeboid movement, flagellar
movement and ciliary movement.
1. Amoeboid locomotion
Amoeboid movement occurs through the formation of temporary extensions of the
cytoplasm called pseudopodia, meaning “false feet”. The cytoplasm flows into these
extensions, allowing the organism to move forward. This type of movement is
characteristic of organisms such as Amoeba. Pseudopodia can also help the organism
surround and capture food.
2. Flagellar locomotion
Flagellar movement is produced by one or more long, whip-like structures called
flagella. The flagellum beats in a coordinated manner and pushes or pulls the organism
UNISA
Opened: Monday, 31 August 2026, 8:00 AM
Due: Tuesday, 15 September 2026, 9:00 PM
ZOOLOGY ASSIGNMENT
, QUESTION 1
(a) Study the diagram and answer the questions
The organism shown is Trypanosoma, a flagellated protozoan parasite.
(i) What is the name and disease caused by this organism?
The organism is Trypanosoma, particularly Trypanosoma brucei. It causes African
trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.
(ii) What animal acts as a reservoir source for this highly pathogenic organism?
Cattle and other wild mammals can act as reservoir hosts, particularly for
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
(iii) Where in the human body will you locate this parasite?
The parasite is found mainly in the blood and lymphatic system and, in advanced
infections, it can enter the cerebrospinal fluid and central nervous system.
(iv) Explain the term “vector”.
A vector is a living organism, usually an arthropod, that carries and transmits a disease-
causing organism from one host to another. In the case of sleeping sickness, the tsetse
fly acts as the vector by transmitting Trypanosoma during its blood meal.
(b) Describe the three types of protozoan locomotion.
Protozoans move from one place to another using specialised structures or
movements. The three main forms of locomotion are amoeboid movement, flagellar
movement and ciliary movement.
1. Amoeboid locomotion
Amoeboid movement occurs through the formation of temporary extensions of the
cytoplasm called pseudopodia, meaning “false feet”. The cytoplasm flows into these
extensions, allowing the organism to move forward. This type of movement is
characteristic of organisms such as Amoeba. Pseudopodia can also help the organism
surround and capture food.
2. Flagellar locomotion
Flagellar movement is produced by one or more long, whip-like structures called
flagella. The flagellum beats in a coordinated manner and pushes or pulls the organism
