ZOL3703
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO. 113677
DUE DATE: 13 MARCH 2026
, Applied Zoology - ZOL3703
QUESTION 1
Structure and survival adaptations of a Trypanosoma cell
[10 marks]
Labeled diagram of a Trypanosoma cell (text-based illustration)
Flagellum
|
|
-----------------------------
| |
| Nucleus |
| |
| |
| Glycosomes |
| (throughout cytoplasm) |
| |
| |
| Kinetoplast |
| (mtDNA) |
| | |
| Kinetosome |
-----------------------------
Explanation of structures and their role in survival
1. Kinetoplast
The kinetoplast is a dense mass of mitochondrial DNA located near the base of the
flagellum. It plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial function, which is essential
for energy production. In African hosts, Trypanosoma species undergo metabolic
changes between the insect vector and mammalian bloodstream. The kinetoplast allows
the parasite to adapt its respiration and survive fluctuating oxygen and glucose levels.
2. Nucleus
The nucleus contains the genetic material responsible for cell division and antigenic
variation. Trypanosoma survives in African mammalian hosts by frequently changing its
surface glycoproteins, enabling it to evade the host’s immune system. This process is
controlled by genes within the nucleus.
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO. 113677
DUE DATE: 13 MARCH 2026
, Applied Zoology - ZOL3703
QUESTION 1
Structure and survival adaptations of a Trypanosoma cell
[10 marks]
Labeled diagram of a Trypanosoma cell (text-based illustration)
Flagellum
|
|
-----------------------------
| |
| Nucleus |
| |
| |
| Glycosomes |
| (throughout cytoplasm) |
| |
| |
| Kinetoplast |
| (mtDNA) |
| | |
| Kinetosome |
-----------------------------
Explanation of structures and their role in survival
1. Kinetoplast
The kinetoplast is a dense mass of mitochondrial DNA located near the base of the
flagellum. It plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial function, which is essential
for energy production. In African hosts, Trypanosoma species undergo metabolic
changes between the insect vector and mammalian bloodstream. The kinetoplast allows
the parasite to adapt its respiration and survive fluctuating oxygen and glucose levels.
2. Nucleus
The nucleus contains the genetic material responsible for cell division and antigenic
variation. Trypanosoma survives in African mammalian hosts by frequently changing its
surface glycoproteins, enabling it to evade the host’s immune system. This process is
controlled by genes within the nucleus.
