Upon infection into human red cell,Plasmodium falciparum differentiates into asexual and sexual(gametocyte) stages.The mitochondrion is a tubular-cristate organelle,functionally and structurally different between the two stages.Genes and proteins involving metabolic and functional roles,protein targeting and import to this organelle, are comprehensively reviewed.The genes and proteins of the electron transport system are identified, partially characterized in human and rodent malaria parasites consisting of a single subunit of NADH dehydrogenase, two subunits of succinate dehydrogenase,cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome Coxidase.One of the primary functional roles of the mitochondrion in the parasite is the coordination of pyrimidine biosynthesis, the electron transport system and oxygen utilization through dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.All enzymes of tricarboxylic acid cycle,pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and some enzymes of ATP synthase,are identified and partially characterized using the completed P.falciparum genome.Some metabolic and functional roles of the organelle include oxidative phosphorylation,ubiquinone and heme biosynthesis,antioxidant defense and redox balance.Recent physiological studies involve membrane potential maintenance,cellular signaling and cation homeostasis.The organelle is a target for antimalarial drug,i.e.atovaquone.Based on the lines of evidence, we hypothesize that the parasite exhibits metabolic adaptation of the underdeveloped mitochondrial organelle to life in the mosquito vector and the human host. Following infection into human red cell, Plasmodium falciparum differentiates into asexual and sexual (gametocyte) stages. The mitochondrion is a tubular-cristate organelle, functionally and structurally different between the two stages. Genes and proteins involving metabolic and functional roles, protein targeting and import to this organelle, are comprehensively reviewed.The genes and proteins of the electron transport system are identified, partially characterized in human and rodent malaria parasites consisting of a single subunit of NADH dehydrogenase, two subunits of succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome Coxidase. One of the primary functional roles of the mitochondria in the parasite is the coordination of pyrimidine biosynthesis, the electron transport system and oxygen utilization through dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. All enzymes of tricarboxylic acid cycle, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and some enzymes of ATP synthase, are identified and partially characterized us ing the completed P. falciparum genome. Home metabolic and functional roles of the organelle include oxidative phosphorylation, ubiquinone and heme biosynthesis, antioxidant defense and redox balance. Really physiological studies involving membrane potential maintenance, cellular signaling and cation homeostasis. organelle is a target for antimalarial drug, ieatovaquone. Based on the lines of evidence, we hypothesize that the parasite exhibits metabolic adaptation of the underdeveloped mitochondrial organelle to life in the mosquito vector and the human host.