Secretory traffic in the eukaryotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii: less is more

J Cell Biol. 2002 May 13;157(4):557-63. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200112144. Epub 2002 May 13.

Abstract

Name a single-celled eukaryote that boasts a small genome size, is easily cultivated in haploid form, for which a wide variety of molecular genetic tools are available, and that exhibits a simple, polarized secretory apparatus with a well-defined endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi that can serve as a model for understanding secretion. Got it? Now name a cell with all these attributes that contains at least a dozen distinct and morphologically well-defined intracellular organelles, including three distinct types of secretory vesicles and two endosymbiotic organelles. Not so sure anymore?

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bodily Secretions / physiology*
  • Cell Polarity / physiology
  • Endocytosis / physiology
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Models, Biological
  • Organelles / metabolism*
  • Organelles / ultrastructure
  • Protein Transport / physiology*
  • Secretory Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Secretory Vesicles / ultrastructure
  • Symbiosis / physiology
  • Toxoplasma / metabolism*
  • Toxoplasma / ultrastructure