Some merozoites develop into gametocytes after their release from the liver cells. Gametocytes are of two types. Microgametocyte and Macrogametocyte.
(i) Microgametocytes: Microgametocytes are small in size. Its diameter is 9-10 µm and the cytoplasm is light blue. At its center is a large pink nucleus. Its nucleus is small, dense and peripheral.
(ii) Macrogametocytes: Macrogametocytes are large in size. Its diameter is 10-12 µm and the cytoplasm is dark blue.