kinetoplazma

Kinetoplast is a unique organelle found in protozoa of the order Kinetoplastida. It is a specialized region within the mitochondrion that contains a large mass of DNA. This DNA, known as kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), consists of a network of circular molecules called minicircles and a smaller number of larger circular molecules called maxicircles. The minicircles encode guide RNAs that are essential for the post-transcriptional modification of maxicircle transcripts through a process called RNA editing. The maxicircles encode mitochondrial genes, including ribosomal RNAs and some proteins.

The kinetoplast plays a crucial role in the life cycle of kinetoplastids, many of which are parasitic, such as those causing diseases like sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. The organelle is vital for mitochondrial function, energy production, and the replication of the parasite. Its structure and the unique mechanism of RNA editing are areas of active research in molecular biology and parasitology. The presence and distinct characteristics of the kinetoplast are defining features of the Kinetoplastida order, distinguishing them from other protozoa.