library_construction_protocol: Gametocyte ​​cells were converted to barcoded scRNA-seq libraries using Chromium Single Cell 3′ reagent kits (V3) (10X Genomics) according to the manufacturer's instructions (CG000183 Rev A), aiming for 4,000–8,000 cells per library. Library quality control and quantification were performed using a KAPA Library Quantification kit for Illumina platforms (Kapa Biosystems, Cape town; South Africa) and a 2100 Bioanalyzer High Sensitivity DNA kit (Agilent, Santa Clara; US). Libraries were sequenced in an Illumina HiSeq 2500 on Rapid Run settings using asymmetric paired-end sequencing (26 cycles for Read 1 and 98 cycles for Read 2) pair-ended 150 bp (PE 150) reads that yielded approximately 160 million reads per run. Chromium Single Cell 3′ reagent kits (V3) 10XGenomics