The main difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides is that a fertilized egg is rounded and has a thick shell whereas an unfertilized egg is elongated and larger in size with a thinner shell. Furthermore, the fertilized egg contains an external mammillated layer while the unfertilized egg may lack the mammillated layer.
Fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides are two types of female reproductive cells classified based on the state of fertilization.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is the Fertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
– Definition, Morphology, Significance
2. What is the Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
– Definition, Morphology, Significance
3. What are the Similarities Between Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Ascaris lumbricoides, Embryo, Fertilized Egg, Mammillated Layer, Shape, Unfertilized Egg
What is Fertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
The fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is the egg cell that has undergone fertilization. Therefore, it contains a unicellular embryo that becomes a developed egg with an infective larva (L2). If ingested, the developed egg is infective. Generally, the larvae develop around three weeks before it becomes infective.
Figure 1: Fertilized Egg of Ascaris lumbricoides
Furthermore, the fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is more rounded in shape, and it has a thick shell. The length of the fertilized egg can range from 45 to 75 µm. The shell is made up of chitin. Also, there is an outer layer to the shell made up of coarse, mammillated, albuminous material. However, fertilized eggs can remain viable for months or even years.
What is the Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
The unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is the egg cell that has not undergone fertilization. Thus, the unfertilized egg is unembryonated, and it contains an amorphous mass of protoplasm. Therefore, it is unable to develop into a developed egg that is infective.
Figure 2: Ascariasis Life Cycle
Furthermore, the unfertilized egg has an elongated shape, and it is around 90 µm in length. Also, it contains a heavy albuminous coating (corticated). However, due to the thin shell of the unfertilized egg, its shape may vary. Generally, both fertilized and unfertilized eggs pass via stool. But, the total absence of fertilized eggs in a stool specimen is evidence for the total absence of male worms in the intestine.
Similarities Between Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
- Fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides are two types of female gametes classified based on the state of fertilization.
- They contain a shell with an external mammillated layer.
- Furthermore, the mammillated layer of both types of eggs is often stained by bile into a brown color.
- Also, both types of eggs pass through the stool of the infected host.
- Generally, they have an elongated shape.
Difference Between Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg of Ascaris Lumbricoides
Definition
Fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides refers to the egg cells that have undergone fertilization while unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides refers to egg cells that have not undergone fertilization.
Shape
Fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is rounded in shape while unfertilized egg has an elongated shape. Thus, this is the main difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides.
Length
Furthermore, the length of a fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is 45 to 75 µm while the length of an unfertilized egg is 90 µm.
The Shell
Also, another difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is their shell. The shell of the fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is thick while the shell of the unfertilized egg is thin.
Mammillated layer
Moreover, the fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides contains a mammillated layer while the unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides may lack a mammillated layer.
Outer Layer
Besides, their outer layer is also a difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides. The fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides can be either corticated or decorticated while the unfertilized egg is usually corticated.
Embryo
While the fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides contains an undeveloped unicellular embryo, the unfertilized egg is unembryonated and contains an amorphous mass of protoplasm. Hence, this is also a difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides.
Conclusion
The fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is the egg cell that has undergone fertilization. It has a more rounded shape, and its shell is significantly thick. The unicellular embryo inside the fertilized egg develops into an infective larva (L2). In comparison, the unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is the egg cell that has not undergone fertilization. It has an elongated shape, and its shell is thin. Moreover, it does not contain a developing embryo. Both fertilized and unfertilized eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides can pass through stool. However, the main difference between fertilized and unfertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides is the structure and the presence of a developing embryo.
References:
1. “CDC – DPDx – Ascariasis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Available Here.
2. “Ascariasis.” Diagnostic Findings, Available Here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Fertilized egg of Ascaris lumbricoides PHIL 410 lores” By CDC/ Dr. Mae Melvin – This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #410. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Ascariasis LifeCycle – CDC Division of Parasitic Diseases” By US gov – US gov (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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