How much (ATP) does it cost to build a trypanosome? A theoretical study on the quantity of ATP needed to maintain and duplicate a bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei cell

Abstract

ATP hydrolysis is required for the synthesis, transport and polymerization of monomers for 25 macromolecules as well as for the assembly of the latter into cellular structures. Other 26 cellular processes not directly related to synthesis of biomass, such as maintenance of 27 membrane potential and cellular shape, also require ATP. The unicellular flagellated 28 parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a complex digenetic life cycle. The primary energy source 29 for this parasite in its bloodstream form (BSF) is glucose, which is abundant in the host's 30 bloodstream. Here, we made a detailed estimation of the energy budget during the BSF cell 31 cycle. As glycolysis is the source of most produced ATP, we calculated that a single 32 parasite produces 6x1011 molecules of ATP/cell cycle. Biomass production accounts for 33 ~62% of the total energy budget, with translation being the most expensive process. 34 Flagellar motility, variant surface glycoprotein recycling, transport and maintenance of 35 transmembrane potential account for less than 30% of the consumed ATP