Figure 3. Bradyzoite is the only multipotent T. gondii stage.

Schematics on the left (blue colored cells) represents ability of the mammalian STEM cells to convert into several type of cells. Different signals (S) trigger different developmental pathways (cell type). Similarly, alternative external stimuli direct development of the T. gondii bradyzoites (red colored cells) toward different fates. Bradyzoites recrudesce into tachyzoites when IFNγ is depleted, while excess of the linoleic acid drives forward development into merozoites. In both models, signals are converted into a specific developmental program during window of opportunity in the G₁ phase (grey area).