Figure 2.

Schematic representation of the sequential events of the merozoite from egress to erythrocyte invasion. Soon after the merozoite egresses from the schizont, it attaches to the surface of a new erythrocyte. Then, the merozoite reorients its apical end toward the erythrocyte. After reorientation, the merozoite forms a tight junction between its surface and the erythrocyte surface. Finally, the merozoite starts to invade the erythrocyte via a moving junction. Once invasion begins, the infected erythrocyte plasma membrane deforms and exhibits echinocytosis until the completion of invasion. In addition to the merozoite surface proteins, the secretory organelles of the merozoite are known to contain the necessary molecules for its invasion. M: microneme organelle; R: rhoptry organelle; D: dense granule organelle; J: junction between the merozoite surface and erythrocyte plasma membrane; PV: parasitophorous vacuole that surrounds the invading merozoite; N: nucleus.