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Glite Dictionary
macrogametocyte

macrogametocyte

9.9
A large female cell used for reproduction in some parasites like the malaria parasite
  • noun
  • /ˌmækroʊɡəˈmiːtəˌsaɪt/
  • Specialized
: macrogametocito
  • During this time, a more detailed examination of the small bowel biopsy revealed Isospora belli macrogametocyte stage (figure 1) and other Isospora stages.

Examples

  • The scientist discovered a macrogametocyte of the malaria parasite while examining blood samples.

  • The presence of a macrogametocyte in this sample indicates an advanced stage of infection.

  • In the laboratory, researchers focused on the macrogametocyte to better understand the life cycle of the parasite.

Surface Forms

macrogametocyte singular
macrogametocytes plural

Morphology

macrogametocyte = gametocyte (semi-transparent) = macro + gamete + cyte

The word is transparently built with macro- meaning 'large', but the technical base 'gametocyte' is specialized and may not be familiar to many learners.

Etymology

Macrogametocyte comes from macro- 'large', gamete 'sex cell', and -cyte 'cell'. So it literally means a 'large sex cell' and refers to the female sex cell in parasites like the malaria parasite.