Macro, micro and nano domains in the membrane of parasitic protozoa

The structural organization of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is briefly revised taking into consideration the organization of proteins and lipids and the concept of microdomains, lipid rafts and detergent resistant membranes. The biochemical data available concerning the presence of microdomains in parasitic protozoa is reviewed and emphasis is given on the identification of special domains recognized by morphological approaches, especially with the use of the freeze–fracture technique.