Normal numbers of ookinetes are produced. The morphology/shape of ookinetes appeared abnormal. Compared with WT ookinetes, IMC1b-KO ookinetes were typically shorter (mean length 10.76 0.15 m for WT; 9.27 0.10 m for IMC1b-KO; n = 100), and wider (mean width 1.98 0.03 m for WT; 2.67 0.05 m for IMC1b-KO; n = 100). In particular, IMC1b-KO ookinetes possessed a bulging area typically in the central part of the cell.Gliding motility of ookinetes was markedly (~4 fold) reduced compared to wild type ookinetes.Mutant ookinetes were more sensitive to hypo-osmotic conditions.Ookinetes produced 8-10 times less oocysts.

Ookinetes produced 8-10 times less oocysts. Oocysts formed showed normal morphology and development and produced normal numbers of infectious sporozoites.