Hemozoin Biocrystallization Pathway (N/A)

The hemozoin biocrystallization pathway is a critical biological process in malaria parasites, responsible for detoxifying free heme released during hemoglobin digestion inside infected red blood cells. Free heme (ferriprotoporphyrin IX) is highly toxic. Since *Plasmodium* lacks the enzyme heme oxygenase, it converts toxic heme into an inert crystalline form called hemozoin through a unique biocrystallization process involving heme aggregation and crystal formation within the parasite's food vacuole. Heme Detoxification Protein (HDP) plays a critical role in catalyzing this process. The unique nature of this pathway—absent from humans—and its essentiality make it an attractive target for antimalarial drugs.

Other names

β-hematin formation pathwayHeme detoxification pathway (Plasmodium)Malaria pigment formation

Inhibition of β-hematin formation, disruption of heme detoxification