Incorporation of Precursors into Toxoplasma DNA

Abstract
SYNOPSIS. DNA synthesis of Toxoplasma gondii differs from that of other obligate intracellular parasites in that the parasite can synthesize DNA independently of the host cell and can incorporate preformed pyrimidines as well as pyrimidine precursors. However, pyrimidine precursors such as orotic acid are preferentially utilized over preformed pyrimidines such as thymidine. There is little apparent utilization of purine precursors.