SummaryGametocytes in this species are highly distinctive. They develop within the red cell as long rods, however the red cell membrane continues to restrict them - the haemoglobin is fully metabolised so is not visible, but the residual membrane of the red cell "ghost" can usually be seen to the side of the red cell. The gametocytes differ with large (macrogametocyte) forms that become curved because of the red cell membrane restricting thir shape (banana form); the smaller (microgametocytes) retain the rod shape. In each case the gold/brown pigment overlies the chromatin area
Macrogametocyte A long rod with empty red cell membrane to the right side. The form is not very curved but the disortion of the rod is clearly beginning
Microgametocyte: the small rod does not fully fill the erythrocyte, the residual red cell membrane is lose to the side of the membrane
Macrogametocyte A nice typical "banana" form, the shape is very curved and pigment is seen scattered over he chromatin
