A dormant, protective stage of certain parasites (especially malaria parasites) where gamete-producing cells are enclosed within a cyst.
From 'gamete' (Greek 'gametes') + 'cyst' (from Greek 'kystis,' meaning 'bladder' or 'pouch'), literally 'gamete-pouch,' a structure that encloses reproductive cells.
Malaria parasites cleverly hide inside 'gametocysts' in mosquitoes' stomachs—this dormant stage let the disease spread globally because mosquitoes could transmit even resting parasites.
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