The algal past and parasite present of the apicoplast

• Published in: Annual review of microbiology Vol. 67; p. 271
• Main Authors: van Dooren, Giel G, Striepen, Boris
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Animals; Apicomplexa - genetics; Apicomplexa - metabolism; Apicoplasts - genetics; Apicoplasts - metabolism; Biological Evolution; Humans; Parasites - genetics; Parasites - metabolism; Protozoan Infections - parasitology; Rhodophyta - genetics; Rhodophyta - metabolism

Plasmodium and Toxoplasma are genera of apicomplexan parasites that infect millions of people each year. The former causes malaria, and the latter causes neurotropic infections associated with a weakened or developing immune system. These parasites harbor a peculiar organelle, the apicoplast. The ap...