Difference between Sporogony and Schizogony

The life cycle of spore forming parasites comprises two distinct phases: schizogony (a dividing stage) and sporogony (a spore forming stage). Parasites have a complex life cycle that takes place both outside and inside the host cells. Read this article to know the differences between sporogony and schizogony.

What is Sporogony?

Sporogony is an asexual reproductive phase that occurs outside the host. This form of asexual reproduction takes place inside the vector (Anopheles mosquito in case of malaria). At this stage, the oocyte of the parasite undergoes multiple mitotic divisions to give rise to infective sporozoites.

Eventually, the oocyte bursts to release the sporozoites that are accumulated in the salivary glands of the vector. The vector then infects the host. The event of sporogony is initiated when the gametocytes of the parasite enter the vector’s gut. The male and female gametes fuse to give way for the production of sporozoites.

What is Schizogony?

Schizogony is the stage that succeeds sporogony. The sporozoites inoculated inside the host multiply asexually to form merozoites. Schizogony is referred to as an endogenous process since it happens inside the host.

The merozoites then invade the host red blood cells to cause infection.

Sporogony vs. Schizogony

Sporogony	Schizogony
Description
Sporogony is an asexual stage of spore formation in parasites.	Schizogony is the multiplicative stage of the parasites.
Mechanism
The oocyte divides mitotically to produce infectious sporozoites.	The sporozoites divide rapidly to produce merozoites.
Occurs in
It occurs in arthropods.	It occurs in reptiles.
Cells Formed
Sporozoites	Merozoites
Exogenous/Endogenous
Since it happens outside the host, it is referred to as exogenous.	Since it happens inside the host, it is referred to as endogenous.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Difference between Sporogony and Schizogony

What is the end product of asexual schizogony?

The end product of asexual schizogony is the production of daughter cells called merozoites that infect the host cells in several rounds.

What is sporogony in malaria?

Sporogony is the event where the mosquitoes ingest blood comprising the female and male gametocytes. In the first of the three phases – early sporogony takes place wherein fertilization, transformation of zygote, penetration occurs forming oocysts.

This is followed by mid sporogony wherein the oocysts undergo several rounds of mitosis forming synctium. This forms several sporozoites. Finally, the late sporogony phase is when the sporozoites are released into the salivary glands of the mosquito. Malarial transmission is based on the development of the Plasmodium parasite in the mosquito. The process is sporogony.