Jake Baum on the motility of malaria parasites

How does a malaria parasite’s motility aid progression through its complex lifecycle?

Malaria parasites, from the genus Plasmodium, have a complex lifecycle. This complex cycle requires invading a range of host cells to ensure progression through to its maturation. Jake Baum, from Imperial College London, UK, describes his work on malaria parasites motility and how we need to understand the basic mechanics of this motility further to aid treatments for this disease.

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Music
"Autumn Leaves" and "Gathering" by Podington Bear

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Additional footage
The dissection of a mosquito for malaria parasite

The life cycle of the malaria parasite

CRISPR-mediated genome editing of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites

The fine structure of Plasmodium falciparum and its host erythrocytes in natural malarial infections in man*

Phagotrophy and two new structures in the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei.

THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE EXOERYTHROCYTIC STAGES OF PLASMODIUM FALLAX