Anejectosome is a cellularorganelle responsible for ejecting their contents from the cell. Two unrelated types of ejectosomes are described in the literature:

1. Cryptomonads have two types of characteristicextrusomes known as ejectosomes.
2. Intracellularpathogens, such asMycobacterium tuberculosis, escape from their host cells using anactin-based structure, also called an ejectosome.

Cryptomonad ejectosomes contain two connected spiral ribbon-like structures, held under tension.^[1] If the cells are irritated either by mechanical, chemical or light stress, they discharge, propelling the cell in a zig-zag course away from the disturbance^{[citation needed]}. Large ejectisomes, visible under the light microscope, are associated with the pocket; smaller ones occur elsewhere on the cell.^[2]

Mycobacteria are ejected from host cells through the action of an actin-based ejectosome. This escape mechanism requires acytoskeleton regulator from the host plus an intact mycobacterial ESX-1secretion system. Ejectosomes apparently exert a contractile force, forming a tight septum around the bacteria. Ejection of the bacteria occurs without hostcell lysis.^[3]

• Organelles

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