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The fine structure of spermatogenesis in Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) with a description of the mature spermatozoon

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Summary

The processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in Hymenolepis diminuta were studied by electron microscopy using improved preparative techniques. Spermatogonia (Type A) are characterized by nuclei 3.79 (±0.17) μm in diameter, dense cytoplasm packed with free ribosomes, and aggregates of mitochondria. After mitoses, certain spermatogonia (Type B) assume syncytial rosettes containing eight nuclei. Primary spermatocytes maintain the rosette syncytium and have large nuclei (4.28±0.24 μm in diameter), smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and polysomes. The secondary spermatocyte is short-lived and is characterized by nuclei (2.0±0.11 μm in diameter) and perinuclear membranous lamellae. The syncytial spermatid cluster contains avoid nuclei which condense and elongate to a final diameter of 0.22±0.04 μm. Once elongated, these nuclei become delimited from the syncytium by invaginations of the plasma membrane. During delimitation, cortical peripheral microtubules arise beneath the spermatozoon plasmalemma and a 9+1 axoneme extends the length of the mature lance-shaped spermatozoon.

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Author notes

  1. G. H. Kelsoe

    Present address: Department of Tropical Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Southern Methodist University, 75275, Dallas, Texas, USA

    G. H. Kelsoe, John E. Ubelaker & Venita F. Allison

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  1. G. H. Kelsoe
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  2. John E. Ubelaker
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  3. Venita F. Allison
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Supported by Southern Methodist University Grant No. 86–75

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Kelsoe, G.H., Ubelaker, J.E. & Allison, V.F. The fine structure of spermatogenesis in Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) with a description of the mature spermatozoon. Z. Parasitenk. 54, 175–187 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00380800

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