Apical complex

Apical complex

Research domain

Parasitology
Taxonomy

Taxonomic markers

Apicomplexa
Perkinsozoa
Colpodellid

Definition

A cell invasion apparatus positioned near the anterior end of apicomplexan cells consisting primarily of a microtubular conoid, a polar ring and unique secretory organelles such as the rhoptries and micronemes. This apparatus has been used as the best synapomorphy for the Apicomplexa (from which its name is derived), but it is also found in a variety of morphostatic lineages of biflagellated alveolates, such as colpodellids and perkinsids. In colpodellid, the apical complex is used for predation.