According to a few websites including from wikipedia, The organelle is an adaptation that the apicomplexan applies in penetration of a host cell.
Thus how more specifically in cell/molecular biology terms, how is the apicoplast organelle involved in the parasite invasion? Simplified answers only please as my cell biology/molecular biological knowledge is only intermediate.
Apicoplast apparently is not involved in cellular invasion - perhaps you misread Wikipedia article. It synthesises fats and isoprenoids for cellular metabolism. Those that are actually involved in invasion are apical secretory organelles including micronemes and rhoptries. If you look for the molecular mechanism of invasion, merozoite surface proteins is the answer.
Thank you Kholhring Lalchhandama that's a precise and great answer!
The penetration depends of mechanical and biochemical factors. The contents of rhoptrias and micronemes release molecules that promove the formation of the parasitophore vacuola. The polar rings and apicoplaste make possible the correct location of the parasite before the penetration.
The penetration depends of mechanical and biochemical factors. The contents of rhoptrias and micronemes release molecules that promove the formation of the parasitophore vacuola. The polar rings and apicoplaste make possible the correct location of the parasite before the penetration.
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