Synthesis of chloroplast galactolipids in apicomplexan parasites

Eukaryot Cell. 2002 Aug;1(4):653-6. doi: 10.1128/EC.1.4.653-656.2002.

Abstract

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol are major chloroplast lipids of algae and land plants and are synthesized within the plastid envelope. Here we report that in Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum lysates, radiolabeled UDP-galactose is incorporated into monogalactosylcerebrosides, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, and digalactosyldiacylglycerol due to distinct enzymological activities. Furthermore, DGDG is immunologically detected in apicomplexans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbohydrate Sequence
  • Chloroplasts / metabolism*
  • Galactolipids / biosynthesis*
  • Galactolipids / chemistry
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plasmodium falciparum / metabolism*
  • Toxoplasma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Galactolipids
  • digalactosyldiacylglycerol
  • monogalactosyldiacylglycerol