Abstract
New techniques for obtaining electron microscopy data through the cell volume are being increasingly utilized to answer cell biologic questions. Here, we present a three-dimensional atlas of Plasmodium falciparum ultrastructure throughout parasite cell division. Multiple wild type schizonts at different stages of segmentation, or budding, were imaged and rendered, and the 3D structure of their organelles and daughter cells are shown. Our high-resolution volume electron microscopy both confirms previously described features in 3D and adds new layers to our understanding of Plasmodium nuclear division. Interestingly, we demonstrate asynchrony of the final nuclear division, a process that had previously been reported as synchronous. Use of volume electron microscopy techniques for biological imaging is gaining prominence, and there is much we can learn from applying them to answer questions about Plasmodium cell biology. We provide this resource to encourage readers to consider adding these techniques to their cell biology toolbox.
Highlights
Infection by the eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of human malaria
At the end of schizogony, a single synchronous round of cell division produces individual invasive daughter cells known as merozoites
We use advanced electron microscopy techniques to evaluate the stages of this process at high resolution in three dimensions
Summary
Infection by the eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of human malaria. During the asexual blood stage of the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle, when the signs and symptoms of human malaria are manifest, the parasites inhabit red blood cells where they grow and produce progeny in the unique intraerythrocytic development cycle[1]. This cycle is initiated when a merozoite invades a red blood cell (RBC), enveloping itself in the parasitophorous vacuole developing into a biconcave early trophozoite-stage parasite known as a ring (Fig 1A). Rupture of the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane followed by rupture of the RBC plasma membrane frees these invasive daughter cells to reinitiate the asexual life cycle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
