Changes in acid phosphatase activity during sporulation of Eimeria tenella oocysts.

Extracts of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella have acid phosphatase activity which can be separated into Peak I (basic form) and Peak II (acidic form) on a DEAE-Sepharose Column. 2. Sporulation markedly effects the behavior of Peak I acid phosphatase (basic form) through the DEAE-Sepharose Column. 3. The Km value of Peak I decreases during sporulation. 4. The data obtained suggest that during sporulation the basic form of acid phosphatase (Peak I) undergoes marked degradation and transformation indicating that acid phosphatases may play an important role in the metabolism of E. tenella.