Control of Gamete Formation (Exflagellation) in Malaria Parasites

Abstract

The only stages of malaria parasites capable of establishing an infection in a mosquito are the gametocytes that circulate in the blood of the vertebrate host. Within minutes of ingestion by a mosquito the gametocytes transform into mature gametes in the process of "exflagellation." This process is controlled in vitro solely by the change in p H in the blood as it moves from the environment of the circulation to that of the atmosphere, the p H rise being mediated by the fall in carbon dioxide tension as the blood equilibrates with the atmosphere.