NAME IT Cysts of this flagellated organism survive in water; when ingested, the trophozoite grows in the intestine, causing diarrhea.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the organism based on the description of its life cycle stages: cysts and trophozoites.
2. Consider the symptoms mentioned, such as diarrhea, which are commonly associated with certain intestinal parasites.
3. Recall that the organism is flagellated, which narrows down the possibilities to specific protozoa.
4. Think about common waterborne protozoan infections that involve cysts surviving in water and causing intestinal issues.
5. Conclude by identifying the organism as Giardia lamblia, a flagellated protozoan known for causing giardiasis.

Key Concepts

Cysts and Trophozoites

Cysts are the dormant, resistant forms of certain protozoa, allowing them to survive harsh environmental conditions, such as in water. Trophozoites are the active, feeding stage of these organisms that emerge from cysts upon ingestion. Understanding the life cycle of these forms is crucial for comprehending how the organism can cause disease.

Flagellated Organisms

Flagellated organisms are protozoa that possess one or more flagella, which are whip-like structures used for locomotion. This characteristic enables them to move through liquid environments, such as water and the intestinal tract. Identifying the specific flagellated organism in the question is essential for understanding its pathogenicity and transmission.

Pathogenic Mechanism

The pathogenic mechanism refers to the process by which an organism causes disease. In this case, the ingestion of cysts leads to the growth of trophozoites in the intestine, which can disrupt normal intestinal function and result in symptoms like diarrhea. Recognizing this mechanism is vital for understanding the health implications of the organism.