title: Localization of acid phosphatase activity in Giardia lamblia and Giardia muris trophozoites.
abstract: Numerous membrane-bounded vacuoles are found adjacent to the plasma membrane of the pathogenic protozoan Giardia lamblia. The function of these vacuoles has been discussed by several authors. Approximately 100-400 nm in diameter with a core of low electron density, they have been suggested to be mitochondria, mucocysts, lysosomes, and endocytotic vacuoles. Enzyme cytochemical localization for acid phosphatase activity using cerium as a capturing agent demonstrates reaction product in these vacuoles as well as in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope cisternae. The distribution of reaction product suggests the vacuoles are lysosome-like; however, their function and development remain in question.
mesh_terms: D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005872:Giardia / Q000032:analysis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D000135:Acid Phosphatase