Summary
In growing oocytes of Limnaea stagnalis two nucleoli: a smaller nucleolus—paranucleolus, and a larger one—eunucleolus, are found. At an early stage of previtellogenesis both nucleoli stain homogeneously; at a later stage the eunucleolus becomes vacuolated. In the course of vitellogenesis the eunucleolus develops into an amphinucleolus. The paranucleolus does not disappear during previtellogenesis, and it appears to be still present during vitellogenesis. During the final growth periode of the oocyte the two nucleoli unite and then disintegrate.
Cytochemical studies indicate that in each of the nucleoli basic proteins, non-histone proteins and RNA are present. Incorporation of 3H-uridin occurs only in the eunucleolus. The paranucleolus does not show RNA metabolism. The amphinucleolus consists of two component parts differing in their origin and cytochemical composition. The primary part of the nucleolus is rich in proteins and RNA. The secondary part, which forms as a result of the secretory activity of the nucleolus, contains only proteins.
The paranucleolus shows a considerable similarity to the endobody found in insect oocytes.
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Kiełbówna, L., Kościelski, B. A cytochemical and autoradiographic study of oocyte nucleoli in Limnaea stagnalis L.. Cell Tissue Res. 152, 103–111 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224213
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224213