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A study on the fine structure of developing spermatozoa from the oligochaete,Enchytraeus albidus

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Summary

Studies on the fine structure of spermatids and spermatozoa of the oligochaete,Enchytraeus albidus, demonstrate the differentiation of acrosome, flagella, nucleus and associated structures. Developing spermatids are found syncytially arranged and interconnected to a central nutrient mass. Acrosomal and flagellar development is typical of other spermatozoa. Electron densities associated with developing acrosomal vesicles form sub-acrosomal structures whose origin and possible function is compared to similar sub-acrosomal structures in other spermatozoa. The disposition of microtubules subjacent to the elongating acrosome and flagellar basal body and circumferentially arranged around the nucleus is described. Comparisons are made of their arrangement during differentiation with microtubular arrangements in other cells undergoing similar form differentiation. It is suggested that the microtubules play a role in the elongation of these spermatids. Blebs of the inner nuclear membrane are present in developing spermatids and are compared to intranuclear membranes found elsewhere.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, The University of Tennessee Medical Units, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

    James F. Reger

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  1. James F. Reger
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Additional information

Supported by U.S.P.H.S. Grant No. NB-06285. — The author wishes to express his grateful appreciation for the technical assistance given by Mrs.Ann Florendo during the course of this investigation.

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Reger, J.F. A study on the fine structure of developing spermatozoa from the oligochaete,Enchytraeus albidus . Z.Zellforsch 82, 257–269 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01901705

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01901705

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