Extracellular Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites do not require carbon source uptake for ATP maintenance, gliding motility and invasion in the first hour of their extracellular life

► We examined the energy metabolism of extracellular Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. ► The ATP level was stable for one hour without uptake of external carbon sources. ► Gliding motility and invasion ability was also stable for one hour without uptake of external carbon sources. ► The activity of the glycolytic pathway itself is essential for ATP homeostasis. ► In conclusion, extracellular tachyzoites probably catabolize internal carbon stores via glycolysis for ATP maintenance.