Figure 2.

Predicted host parasite metabolite exchanges using improved algorithm. Flux distributions have been predicted with our improved flux balance approach (see Figure 1) for each time point of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle for which a gene expression profile exists. Simulations were conducted on the basis of the combined metabolic network of parasite and host and additional constraints reflecting knowledge about the blood stage. Furthermore, the expression status of genes during preceding time points was considered for the flux calculations. Resulting metabolite exchanges between host and parasite are depicted in this figure. Red matrix entries represent metabolites that are predicted to be imported into the parasite, while green matrix entries represent metabolites secreted into the host compartment.