Isolation of mitochondria from Plasmodium falciparum showing dihydroorotate dependent respiration

Using N-2 cavitation, we established a protocol to prepare the active mitochondria from Plasmodium falciparum showing a higher succinate dehydrogenase activity than previously reported and a dihydroorotate-dependent respiration. The fact that fumarate partially inhibited the dihydroorotate dependent respiration suggests that complex II (succinate - ubiquinone reductase/quinol-fumarate reductase) in the erythrocytic stage cells of P. falciparum functions as a quinol-fumarate reductase. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.