False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of two merozoites of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum (blue & pink) parasitising a red blood cell. Malaria is spread by the mosquito Anopheles sp., which deposits Plasmodium sporozoites whilst feeding off its host's blood. The parasite enters the liver where it reproduces & releases merozoites that enter the red blood cells, where further growth & multiplication occurs. Affected red blood cells are destroyed by the parasites & the host animal becomes anaemic, suffering from recurrent fevers. Magnification: x7,000 at 6x7cm, x3,500 at 35mm size.