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The timing of RNA synthesis for spermiogenesis in organ cultures ofDrosophila melanogaster testes

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Summary

A method for the organ culture ofDrosophila testes is described which supports the differentiation of primary spermatocytes through the meiotic divisions to elongating spermatids. Autoradiographic and inhibitor studies reveal no evidence for RNA synthesis by developing spermatids ofDrosophila melanogaster; most, if not all, of the RNA required for the differentiation and elongation of sperm is synthesized earlier in the primary spermatocytes. Primary spermatocytes will differentiate into elongating spermatids in organ culture, despite severe (96–98%) inhibition of3H-uridine incorporation into RNA effected by 50 μg/ml 3′-deoxyadenosine. Protein synthesis in spermatids continues to be active in the presence of 3′-deoxyadenosine, but that in growing spermatocytes is severely inhibited.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of California, 92037, San Diego, La Jolla, California

    Meredith Gould-Somero & Linda Holland

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  1. Meredith Gould-Somero
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  2. Linda Holland
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Supported by grant number AEC PA 150-6 from the Atomic Energy Commission, and by grant number HD 03015 from the National Institutes of Health.

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Gould-Somero, M., Holland, L. The timing of RNA synthesis for spermiogenesis in organ cultures ofDrosophila melanogaster testes. W. Roux' Archiv f. Entwicklungsmechanik 174, 133–148 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00573626

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00573626

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