| Definition: |
A small, elongated secretory organelle that forms part of the apical complex, located along the main axis of an apicomplexan parasite cell within the extreme apical region and at the periphery under the inner membrane complex. Of the specialized secretory compartments identified in apicomplexans, micronemes discharge their contents first, during initial contact of the parasite's apical pole with the host cell surface. Micronemal proteins function during parasite attachment and penetration into the target cell. |