The microgametocyte undergoes a maturation process known as exflagellation, in which, within 10-12 minutes, the nucleus divides several times to form 8 daughter nuclei. each of which has an axoneme. The flagella with the associated nuclei move to the surface and are extruded as the spindle-shaped microgametes. This process is induced by a pH rise due to loss of CO2 from the blood.