Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
07:49
Using the Protozoan Paramecium caudatum as a Vehicle for Food-borne Infections in Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: January 7, 2019
28.5K
Nutrient acquisition by intracellular parasitic protists
Giel G van Dooren1, Malcolm J McConville2
1Division of Biomedical Science and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
Cell Host & Microbe
|June 12, 2025
Summary
Intracellular parasites like Apicomplexa and Trypanosomatidae rely on host nutrients. This review details their nutrient salvage strategies linked to parasite growth and infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Apicomplexa and Trypanosomatidae protists cause significant human diseases.
- These parasites reside within host cells, utilizing intracellular niches.
- They depend on nutrient salvage pathways for survival and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nutrient acquisition strategies of intracellular parasites.
- To highlight the connection between nutrient salvage and parasite growth.
- To cover both common and species-specific parasitic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parasitic nutrient salvage pathways.
- Analysis of host-parasite interactions.
- Synthesis of data on parasite metabolism and growth.
Main Results:
- Intracellular parasites employ diverse nutrient salvage mechanisms.
- Specific nutrient pathways are linked to distinct parasite growth phases.
- Adaptations vary between different parasitic species.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient salvage is critical for intracellular parasite survival and pathogenesis.
- Understanding these strategies can inform therapeutic interventions.
- Targeting nutrient pathways offers potential for new anti-parasitic drugs.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
13.0K
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the...
13.0K
02:34Water and Mineral Acquisition
32.6K
Specialized tissues in plant roots have evolved to capture water, minerals, and some ions from the soil. Roots exhibit a variety of branching patterns that facilitate this process. The outermost root cells have specialized structures called root hairs that increase the root surface, thus increasing soil contact. Water can passively cross into roots, as the concentration of water in the soil is higher than that of the root tissue. Minerals, in contrast, are actively transported into root cells.
32.6K
01:16Endocytosis
9.1K
Eukaryotic cells acquire nutrients for growth and proliferation. Nutrients and other molecules that require degradation are internalized from the extracellular space by a process called endocytosis. The term ‘endocytosis' was first coined by Christian de Duve in 1963.
Endocytosis always begins with the plasma membrane enclosing an incoming molecule to form a transport vesicle which, in some cases, can be coated with a protein called ‘clathrin.' Endocytosed material is either...
Endocytosis always begins with the plasma membrane enclosing an incoming molecule to form a transport vesicle which, in some cases, can be coated with a protein called ‘clathrin.' Endocytosed material is either...
9.1K
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
409
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
409
00:41Phagocytosis
6.2K
Cells pull particles inward and engulf them in spherical vesicles in an energy-requiring process called endocytosis. Phagocytosis ("cellular eating") is one of three major types of endocytosis. Cells use phagocytosis to take in large objects, such as other cells (or their debris), bacteria, and even viruses.
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells,...
The objective of phagocytosis is often destruction. Cells use phagocytosis to eliminate unwelcome visitors, like pathogens (e.g., viruses and bacteria). Many immune system cells,...
6.2K
00:43Pinocytosis
65.5K
Cells use energy-requiring bulk transport mechanisms to transfer large particles, or large amounts of small particles, into or out of the cell. The cells envelop the particles in spherical membranes called vesicles or vacuoles. Vesicles that transport material into the cell are built from the cell membrane. These vesicles encapsulate external molecules and transport them into the cell in a process called endocytosis.
65.5K