The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC) of *Plasmodium falciparum*, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of human malaria. The authors used a DNA microarray to examine gene expression at 1-hour intervals over a 48-hour period, revealing that at least 60% of the genome is transcriptionally active during this stage. The data show that *P. falciparum* has evolved a highly specialized mode of transcriptional regulation, with genes being expressed in a continuous cascade from general cellular processes to specific functions like erythrocyte invasion. Genes are rarely coregulated along the chromosomes, but transcription from the plastid genome is highly coordinated and likely polycistronic. Comparative genomic hybridization between two strains identified differences in highly antigenic subtelomeric regions. The findings provide insights into the timing of gene expression and offer a resource for identifying new chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets.The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC) of *Plasmodium falciparum*, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of human malaria. The authors used a DNA microarray to examine gene expression at 1-hour intervals over a 48-hour period, revealing that at least 60% of the genome is transcriptionally active during this stage. The data show that *P. falciparum* has evolved a highly specialized mode of transcriptional regulation, with genes being expressed in a continuous cascade from general cellular processes to specific functions like erythrocyte invasion. Genes are rarely coregulated along the chromosomes, but transcription from the plastid genome is highly coordinated and likely polycistronic. Comparative genomic hybridization between two strains identified differences in highly antigenic subtelomeric regions. The findings provide insights into the timing of gene expression and offer a resource for identifying new chemotherapeutic and vaccine targets.