Do the mitochondria of malaria parasites behave like the phoenix after return in the mosquito? Regeneration of degenerated mitochondria is required for successful Plasmodium infection.
Mitochondria are energy generators in eukaryotic organisms like man and the pathogenic malaria parasites, the Plasmodium spp. From the moment a mosquito-mediated malaria infection occurs in man the parasite multiplies profusely, but eventually the oxygen supply becomes the limiting factor in this process. Consequently, the parasite will increasingly generate energy (and lactic acid) from sugar fermentation. Simultaneously, the cristate structure of Plasmodium mitochondria degenerates and becomes acristate. The degenerated acristate mitochondria of mammalian Plasmodium parasites seem to be able to revitalise by transforming to cristate mitochondria inside the oxygen-rich mosquito, like the rebirth of the old phoenix. In this way the infectivity of the parasite is revitalised.
Bongaerts
Ger
G
Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, NL-6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. G.Bongaerts@mmb.umcn.nl
D000818:Animals; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008288:Malaria / Q000469:parasitology*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010271:Parasites / Q000254:growth & development*; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*