Ultrastructure of cyst differentiation in parasitic protozoa.
Cysts represent a phase in the life cycle of biphasic parasitic protozoa that allow them to survive under adverse environmental conditions. Two events are required for the morphological differentiation from trophozoite to cyst and from cyst to trophozoite: the encystation and excystation processes. In this paper, we present a review of the ultrastructure of the encystation and excystation processes in Entamoeba invadens, Acanthamoeba castellanii, and Giardia lamblia. The comparative electron microscopical observations of these events here reported provide a morphological background to better understand recent advances in the biochemistry and molecular biology of the differentiation phenomena in these microorganisms.
Chávez-Munguía
Bibiana
B
Department of Experimental Pathology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Av. IPN 2508, Zacatenco, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico. bchavez@cinvestav.mx
Omaña-Molina
Maritza
M
González-Lázaro
Mónica
M
González-Robles
Arturo
A
Cedillo-Rivera
Roberto
R
Bonilla
Patricia
P
Martínez-Palomo
Adolfo
A
D000818:Animals; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010271:Parasites / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013045:Species Specificity; D033761:Spores, Protozoan / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*