Shikimate pathway in apicomplexan parasites
Article Abstract:
Roberts and colleagues have discovered that Apicomplexa are sensitive to glyphosate, a herbicide which inhibits the enzyme 5-enopyruvyl shikimate 3-phosphate synthase. It was suggested that aromatic amino acid production by the shikimate pathway could be essential for the apicomplexan plastid. However evidence that the pathway functions in the cytosol of Apicomplexa is now presented. Evidence does not support the concept that apicomplexan shikimate enzymes are localized in the plastid, and Toxoplasma and Plasmodium chorismate synthase genes do not encode leader peptides.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Evidence for the shikimate pathway in apicomplexan parasites
Article Abstract:
Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites have a plastid organelle morphologically similar to that of tachyzoites. This indicates that the plastid of this untreatable bradyzoite life-cycle stage could contain new plastid-associated antimicrobial agent targets. It was possible to establish the presence of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate 3-phophate (EPSP) synthase activity in T. gondii. The research also suggests that there is a metabolic route for the synthesis of p-aminobenzoate and folate from EPSP.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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A photosynthetic alveolate closely related to apicomplexan parasites
Article Abstract:
The article discusses development and features of a new photosynthetic organism whose features are similar as those of alveolates and is closely related to apicomplexan parasite, containing a photosynthetic plastid. The organism has been a lot of help in the study of evolution of parasitism in Apicomplexa.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2008
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