N-linked in Plasmodium

[MSLADE at RNA.BIO.MQ.EDU.AU]

In a brief review on glycobiology of Plasmodium falciparum (Hoessli et al 1996, 
Glycoconjugate Journal 13, 1-3) I have just found the statement that this organism 
does not produce N-linked glycosylation.

I had thought that N-linked glycosylation was a fundamental property of all 
eukaryotes.  Do people think this is correct and Plasmodium is just cutting off the 
N-linked structures ?  Are there any other eukaryotes known not to produce N-linked 
glycosylation?  How about primitive protozoa like Giardia?

I am intrigued by the possibility that some cells can dispense with N-linked 
glycosylation.

Yours, Martin Slade
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Martin Slade,
School of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University,
NSW 2109,
Australia
FAX  (61 2) 9850 8174
Phone(61 2) 9850 8210
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