Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection
05:31

Studying Cryptosporidium Infection in 3D Tissue-derived Human Organoid Culture Systems by Microinjection

Published on: September 14, 2019

The unusual mitochondrial compartment of Cryptosporidium parvum

Fiona L Henriquez1, Thomas A Richards, Fiona Roberts

  • 1Department of Immunology, Strathclyde Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 27 Taylor St, Glasgow, UK, G4 0NR.

Trends in Parasitology
|January 25, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium parvum possesses a unique, genome-lacking organelle derived from mitochondria. Understanding this organelle

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Recent Cryptosporidium parvum Genome Project findings suggest a mitochondrial-derived organelle.
  • This organelle lacks its own genome, relying solely on nuclear-encoded proteins.
  • Current treatments for Cryptosporidium parvum infections are inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for the mitochondrial-derived organelle in Cryptosporidium parvum.
  • To discuss the probable function of this organelle.
  • To explore the potential of targeting this organelle for new antimicrobial therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and genomic data.
  • Analysis of evidence for organelle presence and characteristics.
  • Inference of organelle function based on protein dependency.

Main Results:

  • Substantial evidence supports the existence of a mitochondrial-derived organelle in C. parvum.
  • The organelle is confirmed to be genome-lacking and dependent on nuclear gene expression.
  • The organelle's function is hypothesized to be crucial for parasite survival.

Conclusions:

  • The mitochondrial-derived organelle is a key feature of Cryptosporidium parvum.
  • Elucidating its function is critical for understanding parasite biology.
  • Targeting this organelle presents a promising strategy for novel anti-cryptosporidial drug development.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Submitochondrial Protein Localization in Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae08:55

Assessment of Submitochondrial Protein Localization in Budding Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: July 19, 2021

An Improved Method to Isolate Mitochondrial Contact Sites07:55

An Improved Method to Isolate Mitochondrial Contact Sites

Published on: June 16, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Eukaryotic Compartmentalizations01:46

Eukaryotic Compartmentalizations

One of the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells is that they contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, that carry out specialized functions. Since biological membranes are only selectively permeable to solutes, they help create a compartment with controlled conditions inside an organelle. These microenvironments are tailored to the organelle's specific functions and help isolate them from the surrounding cytosol.
For example, lysosomes in the animal cells...
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
Eukaryotic Compartmentalization01:37

Eukaryotic Compartmentalization

One of the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells is that they contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, that carry out specialized functions. Since biological membranes are only selectively permeable to solutes, they help create a compartment with controlled conditions inside an organelle. These microenvironments are tailored to the organelle's specific functions and help isolate them from the surrounding cytosol.
For example, lysosomes in the animal cells...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Diversity of Protists I01:15

Diversity of Protists I

Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...