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Spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and sperm structure in Crenobia (Planaria) alpina (Dana)

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Summary

Spermatogenesis in Crenobia alpina follows the general pattern found elsewhere in the Platyhelminthes, but spermiogenesis in this species reveals some unique features. The development of the spherical spermatid nucleus into the long, threadlike sperm nucleus is certainly not a simple elongation process as implied by earlier reports. Elongating spermatid nuclei contain two plectonemically coiled, Feulgen-positive threads, while only one long Feulgen-positive thread is found in the mature sperm. This sequence suggests that in early spermatid nuclei this thread is folded on itself and twisted to form a plectonemic spiral. During spermiogenesis it appears that this thread gradually uncoils to give the single elongated thread of the mature sperm.

The morphology and the dimensions of the mature sperms have been investigated and compared with earlier data. The early development of flagellae at the onset of spermiogenesis was not observed but some new sperm structures are described which are apparently involved in organising the twin flagellae. The precise structural organisation and functional significance of those structures is however not fully understood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    A. G. J. M. van der Linden

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  1. A. G. J. M. van der Linden
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The discussions with Prof. Dr. S. J. Geerts, Dr. L. T. Douglas, Drs. J. A. M. van der Mey and Mr. G. A. M. van Hasselt and their encouragement during the course of this study are gratefully acknowledged. Also I am much indebted to Dr. G. H. Jones, Department of Genetics, University of Birmingham, for critical reading of the manuscript and correcting the English text.

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van der Linden, A.G.J.M. Spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and sperm structure in Crenobia (Planaria) alpina (Dana). Z. Zellforsch. 97, 549–563 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00332803

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00332803

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