What are kinetoplastids?
Q: What are kinetoplastids?
A: Kinetoplastids are a group of single-cell flagellate eukaryotes, which include parasites responsible for serious diseases in humans and other animals, and forms found in soil and aquatic environments.
Q: What is the main distinguishing feature of kinetoplastids?
A: The main distinguishing feature of kinetoplastids is the presence of a kinetoplast, a DNA-containing granule inside the single mitochondrion at the base of the cell's flagella (the basal body).
Q: Who defined the flagellate order Kinetoplastida?
A: Honigberg defined the flagellate order Kinetoplastida in 1961.
Q: How are the kinetoplastids traditionally divided?
A: The kinetoplastids are traditionally divided into the biflagellate Bodonidae and uniflagellate Trypanosomatidae.
Q: Which genera are included in the Trypanosomatidae?
A: The Trypanosomatidae includes several genera which are exclusively parasitic, such as Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania, Crithidia, and Cryptobia.
Q: What are some diseases caused by kinetoplastid parasites?
A: Sleeping sickness is caused by Trypanosoma brucei, Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania.
Q: What is Bodo?
A: Bodo is a typical free-living Bodonid, and includes various species which feed on bacteria.
