Hydrobiologia

, Volume 132, Issue 1, pp 127–135 | Cite as

Eggshell formation in polyclads (Turbellaria)

  • Sachiko Ishida
  • Wataru Teshirogi
Reproductive System

Abstract

Eggshell formation in polyclads was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and histochemistry. Shell-forming granules (SFG) in the egg, as well as secretions of shell glands (SGS), play roles in eggshell formation. As the oocytes pass through the portion of the female tract where the shell glands open, they are surronded by a two-layered envelope of SGS. This envelope prevents the dispersion of SFGs discharged after oviposition, and its inner layer participates in eggshell formation with the SFGs. In Pseudostylochus sp., most SFGs consist of five parts. Similarities in staining between the parts of the SFGs and the parts of the eggshell indicate that discrete parts of the shell are derived from specific SFG components. Hardening of the eggshell and egg-plate matrix takes place through primary tanning of a sclerotin-like protein.

Keywords

Turbellaria polyclads eggshell shell formation sclerotin 
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Copyright information

© Dr W. Junk Publishers 1986

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sachiko Ishida
    • 1
  • Wataru Teshirogi
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Biology, Faculty of ScienceHirosaki UniversityHirosakiJapan

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