Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte Culture and Mosquito Infection Through Artificial Membrane Feeding
Published on: July 3, 2020
A selenocysteine tRNA and SECIS element in Plasmodium falciparum
Abstract:
The molecular machinery for incorporating selenocysteine into proteins is present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Although selenocysteine insertion has been reported in animals, plants, and protozoans, known eukaryotic selenocysteine tRNA sequences and selenocysteine insertion sequences are limited to animals and plants. Here we present clear indications of the presence of selenocysteine-tRNA and a selenocysteine insertion sequence in Plasmodium falciparum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an identification of protozoan selenocysteine insertion machinery at the sequence level.
Related Concept Videos
Malaria
Antiprotozoal Agents
tRNA Activation
Symbiosis
Trichomoniasis
Tail-anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane

