Definition of Oocyst

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Oocyst Definition from Medicine Dictionaries & Glossaries
Aids Glossary
the earliest stage of the life cycle of a parasitic protozoan (e.g., cryptosporidium) in which it is enclosed in a hard-shelled capsule. Oocysts are dormant (non-growing) but may still be infectious.
Aegis
Oocyst Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia
Unusual for a major group of organisms, the apicomplexans are as yet identified as exclusively parasitic. As intracellular parasites, they are exposed to a wide variety of environments during their often complex lifecycles. In order to best meet the requirements of an experienced situation, several different cellular varieties have evolved within each species. Each of these cell types is characterised by its own distinct morphology and biochemistry, and is activated upon reaching a particular step in its lifecycle.

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