Abstract
Exflagellating microgametocytes and microgametes of Plasmodium berghei, P. cynomolgi, Hepatocystis kochi and Leucocytozoon marchouxi were examined in the electron microscope. The morphology was similar in all species. Sections through the exflagellating gametocytes revealed 3 zones: (a) a light outermost envelope (not always present) representing the degenerating erythrocyte; (b) a dense region corresponding to the cytoplasm of the parasite and containing Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, pigment and developing flagella; and (c) the nucleus undergoing endomitotic division, the 8 daughter nuclei eventually moving to the point of emergence of the gametes. Shadow-cast replicas of microgametes showed elongated bodies without free flagella. Sections of microgametes revealed the presence of an internal flagellar axial filament complex extending throughout their length, an elongated nucleus and a pellicle. The complex was made up of the typical 9 + 2 filaments with 9 radial spokes. The fundamental difference between the (short) microgamete of the Eimeriidea with 2 free flagella and the (long) microgamete of malaria parasites with no free flagellum is pointed out. A diagrammatic scheme of development of the latter is given.
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