Summary
The development of the acrosome of the budgerigar spermatid was studied under the electronmicroscope. The acrosome arises from a granule derived from the Golgi apparatus which interacts with the nucleus to form a cone shaped acrosomal cap and a perforatorium. A quantity of cytoplasm and plasma membrane is captured from the cell periphery and incorporated into the substance of the acrosome. The possible significance of the developmental phases and comparative avian spermatology is discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Burgos, M. H., Vitale-Calpe, R., Ashe, A.: Fine structure of the testis and its functional significance. In: The testis (I). Eds. A. D. Johnson, W. R. Gomes, N. L. Vandenmark, p. 551–574. New York: Academic Press 1970
Dan, J. C.: The acrosomal process membrane. In: Comparative spermatology. ed. Baccio Bacetti, p. 487–498. New York: Academic Press 1970
Humphreys, P. N.: Brief observations on the semen and spermatozoa of certain passerine and non-passerine birds. J. Reprod. Fert. 29, 327–336 (1972)
McFarlane, R. W.: Taxonomic significance of avian sperm. Proc. 13th Int. orn. Congr. 1, 91–102 (1963)
McFarlane, R. W.: The ultrastructure and phylogenetic significance of avian spermatozoa. Abst. Ph. D. Thesis, Univ. Florida (1971)
McIntosh, J. R., Porter, K. R.: Microtubules in the spermatids of the domestic fowl. J. Cell Biol. 31, 1. 153–172 (1967)
Nagano, T.: Observations on the fine structure of the developing spermhead in the domestic chicken. J. Cell Biol. 14, 193–205 (1962)
Nicander, L.: Microtubules in spermatids of mammals and birds. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 18, 230 (1970)
Nicander, L.: Comparative studies on the fine structure of vertebrate spermatozoa. In: Comparative spermatology. Ed. Baccio Baccetti, p. 29–56. New York: Academic Press 1970
Nicander, L., Hillstrom, B.: Increased thickness of the inner mitochondrial membrane during sperm maturation in the domestic rooster. Exp. Cell Res. 48, 622–624 (1967)
Sandoz, D.: Etude ultrastructurale et cytochimique de la formation de l'acrosome du discoglosse (Amphibien anure). In: Comparative spermatology. Ed. Baccio Baccetti, p. 93–114. New York: Academic Press 1970
Yasuzumi, G.: Electron microscopy of the developing spermhead in the sparrow testis (Passer montanus.) Exp. Cell Res. 11, 240 (1956)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
I am grateful to Professor D. Bellamy for facilities provided and for technical assistance from C. Winter, A. Stevenson and M. Pugh. The animals used in this study were some of a number purchased for a study of testicular carcinogenesis financed by the World Health Organisation.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Humphreys, P.N. The differentiation of the acrosome in the spermatid of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Cell Tissue Res. 156, 411–416 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00225369
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00225369