Toxoplasma divides by endodyogeny . (A) In normal Toxoplasma division, two daughter parasites are formed within the intact mother cell and are delineated by a specialized cytoskeleton and membrane structure called the inner membrane complex (IMC; green). During cytokinesis, the daughter cells integrate their cytoskeleton into the mother plasma membrane. After division, the parasites remain connected through the “residual body.” (B) Diagram of ERK7 kinase loss-of-function phenotype in Toxoplasma division. When parasites divide without functional ERK7 kinase localized at their apical tips, the conoid (magenta) is lost in the mature parasite after cytokinesis, rendering the parasites noninvasive. Note that new daughter parasites grow and develop with a visible conoid.