malaria parasite transmission to mosquitos: Protein discovered as essential
Monday, February 24, 2014 - 06:31
in Biology & Nature
Scientists studying the sexual transformation of the malaria parasite have solved a long-standing mystery in parasite biology. Two research teams have independently discovered that a single protein acts as the master genetic switch that triggers the development of male and female sexual forms of the malaria parasite. The research also gives important clues for identifying the underlying mechanisms that control this developmental fate, determining whether or not a malaria parasite will be able to transmit the disease. The discovery has important implications for human health.