New to Parasitology: Learn About Moulting, Cuticles & Decortication

[sameeralord]

Hello guys,

What does moulting mean. I think it is shedding off the cuticle. But what is the cuticle. Is the outer protecting covering of the larvae, or does the adult have it too. Do you have like multiple cuticle layers to begin with, and then shed them off or you grow a new cuticle and then shed the old one. Do adult parasites also moult. When you see a histological appearance of an egg (example ascaris lumbricoides pic below, can you see the cuticle as well, or does the larvae only have this)

http://dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/images/ParasiteImages/A-F/Ascariasis/Ascaris_egg_fert_decort_200x.jpg

Also can the female egg just lay eggs without mating with a male partner, are these called unfertilized eggs. Also what are decorticated. Thanks

 

[mishrashubham]

What does moulting mean. I think it is shedding off the cuticle. But what is the cuticle. Is the outer protecting covering of the larvae, or does the adult have it too.

Right the cuticle is simply the hard outer covering of the arthropod that forms its exoskeleton. It is present in both the larval and adult stages although there are structural differences between the two.
Check en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecdysis and
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropod_cuticle

Do you have like multiple cuticle layers to begin with, and then shed them off or you grow a new cuticle and then shed the old one.

Technically there is just a single cuticle layer although new layers are formed while moulting.

Do adult parasites also moult.

They definitely do.

When you mating with a male partner, are these called unfertilized eggs.

This is an interesting phenomenon called parthenogenesis.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis

I couldn't understand your question about decortication:

 

[sameeralord]

Right the cuticle is simply the hard outer covering of the arthropod that forms its exoskeleton. It is present in both the larval and adult stages although there are structural differences between the two.
Check en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecdysis and
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthropod_cuticle




Technically there is just a single cuticle layer although new layers are formed while moulting.



They definitely do.



This is an interesting phenomenon called parthenogenesis.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenogenesis

I couldn't understand your question about decortication:

Thanks I understand now A new question for you : In the parasite entamoeba histolytics there are 4 nuclei in a cyst. But the cyst is formed from a single trophozoite with one nucleus. So does it divide later to form 4 nuclei cyst?

 

[mishrashubham]

Thanks I understand now A new question for you : In the parasite entamoeba histolytics there are 4 nuclei in a cyst. But the cyst is formed from a single trophozoite with one nucleus. So does it divide later to form 4 nuclei cyst?

Right, two nuclear divisions within the cyst result in four nuclei.

 

[LudusRex]

Hello,

Moulting in parasitology refers to the process of shedding the outer layer, or cuticle, of the parasite's body. The cuticle is a protective covering that is present in both larvae and adult parasites. It is made up of layers of protein and other materials and serves to protect the parasite from the host's immune system and other external factors.

In most cases, the cuticle is shed in order for the parasite to grow and develop. This can happen in multiple layers or all at once, depending on the species. For example, some parasites may shed their cuticle several times during their life cycle, while others may only shed it once as they reach maturity.

Adult parasites can also moult, although it may not be as noticeable as in larvae. This is usually to allow for growth or to repair any damage to the cuticle.

In the image provided, the cuticle of the Ascaris lumbricoides egg is not visible as it has been decorticated. This means that the outer layer has been removed, exposing the egg's contents. Decortication can happen naturally or can be caused by certain treatments or conditions.

Female parasites can lay eggs without mating with a male, and these are called unfertilized eggs. However, these eggs may not develop into viable parasites. Decortication can also occur in unfertilized eggs, making them non-infective.

I hope this helps to clarify some of your questions about moulting, cuticles, and decortication in parasitology. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Keep up the curiosity and good luck with your studies in parasitology!