1. A cell that undergoes meiosis to produce gametes; a cell in the process of becoming a sex cell.
Usage: biology; technical
2. In parasitology, a stage in the life cycle of certain protozoans (such as malaria parasites) that develops into a gamete when ingested by a vector.
Usage: parasitology; medical

Examples

• During meiosis, a gametocyte divides to form four haploid gametes.
• The gametocyte stage of the malaria parasite is essential for transmission to mosquitoes.
• In plants, gametocytes develop within the anthers and ovules.
• Researchers studied how gametocytes mature in the reproductive organs of the organism.
• The presence of gametocytes in the blood indicates that the parasite can be transmitted to vectors.