A cell that develops into gametes; a cell that can differentiate into reproductive cells, especially in parasites like malaria.
From 'gamete' (Greek 'gametes,' married) + 'cyte' (from Greek 'kytos,' meaning 'cell'), literally 'gamete-cell,' a cell specialized to produce reproductive cells.
Malaria parasites produce 'gametocytes' in human blood—mosquitoes can only catch malaria from people with gametocytes, making it crucial why treating malaria involves eliminating these specific cells.
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