Question

Apicomplexans evolved from a photosynthetic ancestor and have the remnant of a chloroplast. This organelle no longer acts in photosynthesis, but remains essential to the protist. Why might targeting this organelle yield an antimalarial drug with minimal side effects in humans?

Answer 1

Answer:

Apicomplexans can be described as parasites which can cause diseases such as malaria inside the host cell. These organisms are known to evolve from the green algae. The remnant chloroplast present in them is used for various drug therapy studies. Their chloroplast can be used to test for various antibiotics and herbicides. This is because their chloroplast has evolutionary similarities with chloroplasts present in other organisms such as the cyanobacteria.