OBLIGATE PARASITE Meaning and
Definition
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An obligate parasite refers to a particular type of organism that requires a close association with a host organism in order to complete its life cycle and survive. Unlike other types of parasites that possess the ability to live independently in certain conditions, obligate parasites lack the capacity to survive or reproduce outside of their host. These parasites have evolved to depend entirely on their host organism for essential nutrients and other resources necessary for their survival.
Obligate parasites display a high degree of host specificity, often relying on a specific species or group of related species for their sustenance. They possess specialized adaptations, such as hooks, suckers, or mouthparts, designed to facilitate attachment to the host and exploit its resources. This close interaction between the obligate parasite and its host can result in various detrimental effects on the latter's health, including nutrient depletion, tissue damage, or the transmission of diseases.
The life cycle of an obligate parasite typically involves distinct stages, such as attachment, penetration, growth, and reproduction, which occur within or on the host organism. Many obligate parasites exhibit complex life cycles, involving multiple hosts or intermediaries, to ensure their survival and propagation. This intricate relationship between the obligate parasite and its host highlights their interdependence, where the parasite relies on the host for sustenance, while the host is often negatively affected or harmed by the presence of the parasite.
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• An organism to which a parasitic existence is necessary for development, one which cannot live as a saprophyte.
• One which cannot lead an independent non-parasitic existence; opposed to facultative p.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OBLIGATE PARASITE
- ibligate parasite
- kbligate parasite
- lbligate parasite
- pbligate parasite
- 0bligate parasite
- 9bligate parasite
- ovligate parasite
- onligate parasite
- ohligate parasite
- ogligate parasite
- obkigate parasite
- obpigate parasite
- oboigate parasite
- oblugate parasite
- obljgate parasite
- oblkgate parasite
- oblogate parasite
- obl9gate parasite
- obl8gate parasite
- oblifate parasite
Etymology of OBLIGATE PARASITE
The word "obligate" comes from the Latin word "obligatus", which means to bind or oblige. It is derived from the past participle of the verb "obligare", where "ob" signifies "towards" and "ligare" means "to bind". In this context, "obligate" refers to something that is required or necessary.
The term "parasite" derives from the Greek word "parasitos", which is a compound of "para" meaning "alongside" and "sitos" meaning "food" or "grain". In ancient Greece, it initially referred to a person who attended a meal as a guest, sharing the food. However, over time, its meaning shifted to refer to an organism that lives off and benefits from another organism, known as the host, usually to their detriment.
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