Sexual differentiation and sex determination in the Apicomplexa
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Microscopy of Fission Yeast Sexual Lifecycle
Published on: March 9, 2016
Todd G Smith1, David Walliker, Lisa C Ranford-Cartwright
1Clinical Science Division, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A5. toddia@zoo.utoronto.ca
Abstract:
Protozoan parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa have complex life cycles involving various types of asexual division that allow rapid proliferation of parasites within one or more hosts. Such replication is punctuated by obligate sexual differentiation that produces male and female gametocytes. These stages are transmissible to haematophagous vectors or are necessary ultimately to form resistant cysts that are released into the environment. This article examines the sexual differentiation of apicomplexan parasites as it relates to the timing of commitment and the mechanism of the switch from asexual proliferation to the development of male and female sexual stages.
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