Novel structure in the pellicular complex of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes.

. Using transmission electron microscopy, transverse dense bands were found to be associated with subpellicular microtubules and inner membraner in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. These dense bands may act as supportive structures to maintain the parallel arrangement of the microtubules, and/or to connect them to the inner membranes.