CultureAugust 6, 2026

apicomplexan

AY-pee-com-PLEK-sun

Definition

A member of a large group of parasitic protozoans characterized by a specialized complex of organelles used to invade host cells, including species responsible for human diseases like malaria and toxoplasmosis.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'apex' (peak or tip) and 'complexus' (surrounding or embrace), referring to the distinctive apical complex structure these organisms use to penetrate host cells.

In the news

The article classifies the parasite Babesia divergens as an apicomplexan to highlight its evolutionary relationship to other medically significant parasites that similarly rely on host infection.

Scientists map ribosome architecture and rRNA modifications in tick-borne parasite Babesia divergens

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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