The released merozoites then infect new intestinal cells and differentiate into '''gametocytes'''. The females, known as '''macrogametocytes''' are large single nuclear cells, they increase in size to fill the host cell. Merozoites that develop into the male gametocyte, or '''microgametocyte''', divide into a large number of small cells with flagella. The motile microgametocytes are released from the parasitised cell as it ruptures. A single microgametocyte will penetrate a macrogametocyte and the nuclei of both cells will fuse. A wall then develops around the new '''oocyst''' which then remains in this stage of development until released from the body in the hosts faeces. Sporogony will then begin as described above. | The released merozoites then infect new intestinal cells and differentiate into '''gametocytes'''. The females, known as '''macrogametocytes''' are large single nuclear cells, they increase in size to fill the host cell. Merozoites that develop into the male gametocyte, or '''microgametocyte''', divide into a large number of small cells with flagella. The motile microgametocytes are released from the parasitised cell as it ruptures. A single microgametocyte will penetrate a macrogametocyte and the nuclei of both cells will fuse. A wall then develops around the new '''oocyst''' which then remains in this stage of development until released from the body in the hosts faeces. Sporogony will then begin as described above. |