N-terminal targeting sequences of PDH subunits E1a and E2 of P. falciparum direct GFP to the apicoplast in intraerythrocytic parasites. The panels show images of P. falciparum parasites from different blood stages expressing episomally encoded GFP fusion proteins. Colocalization with the apicoplast-resident protein ACP using a-ACP antibodies unambiguously shows that the presequences of PDH subunits E1a and E2 are sufficient to target proteins exclusively to the apicoplast (A and C). Red MitoTracker labelling confirms that the GFP staining is – as expected for the apicoplast – distinct from but in close proximity to the mitochondrion (B and D). Note also the characteristic shape of the apicoplast in the different parasite stages.

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