Parasitic trophozoite development. Computer illustration showing the development of a parasite trophozoite. Trophozoites are the activated intracellular feeding stage in the life-cycle of apicomplexan parasites. Apicomplexans are a group of intracellular parasites - parasites that are capable of growing and reproducing inside the cells of a host. After gorging itself on its host, the trophozoite undergoes schizogony and develops into a schizont, later releasing merozoites.