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Ultrastructure of embryonic envelopes and integument ofOncopeltus fasciatus Dallas (Insecta, Heteroptera)

I. Chorion, amnion, serosa, integument

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Summary

  1. 1

    The egg has about ten micropyles around the forepole. Apart from that the surface is rather smooth, without a pattern, and covered by a wax layer. The chorion is composed of several layers, which are described. It shows adaptations to dry environment. The chorion as a “maternal cuticle” is discussed.

  2. 2

    A vitelline membrane surrounds the oocyte below the chorion. It consists of three laminae: an electron lucent one between two moderately dense ones.

  3. 3

    The serosal cells have presumably a dual function. Strongly developed rough ER and pronounced nucleoli point to the manufacture of proteins, probably enzymes which participate in the liquifaction of the yolk.During development the serosa withdraws from the vitelline membrane and secretes a heterogenous product — a proteinaceous (?) fluid, dense granules and lipid droplets — into the peripheral space. Dense granules are derived from the yolk and transported through the cells without morphological alterations, whereas taken up lipids are apparently metabolized. These processes are interpreted as excretory activities, which shall keep the yolk free of waste substances.

  4. 4

    The same products as in the peripheral space — except for the lipid droplets — are found in the amnion cavity. They are likewise considered as excretory products which are primarily deposited by the germ band cells. The amnion may serve to keep the material in a defined area separate from the nutrition.The appearance of orientated microtubules during katatrepsis may be indicative for an active participation in embryonic movements.

  5. 5

    Pronounced ultrastructural changes occur during transition from ectoderm to epidermis. Ectodermal tissue is characterized by the presence of electron lucent vesicles and free ribosomes. It also secretes the “first embryonic cuticle” (“Cut. I”), a trilaminar membrane which probably represents a cuticulin layer. Besides ectoderm and several ectodermal organ anlagen also the amnion forms this membrane. (Endocrine glands are not yet active.) In this context some aspects of differentiation and determination are discussed.

The embryonic epidermis contains no electron lucent vesicles, but many pigment granules. It secrets two more “embryonic cuticles” (“Cut. II and III”) which have the structure of a typical larval one prior to ecdysis (endocuticle=procuticle). A wax layer, however, is already present. “Cut. III” represents the first larval cuticle.

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  1. Institut für Zoologie der Universität, Saarstr. 21, D-6500, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany

    August Dorn

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Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

I am indebted to Miss I. von Graevenitz and Mrs. M. Ullmann for excellent technical assistance.

I thank Mr. J. Tochtenhagen, who took the scanning electron micrographs

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Dorn, A. Ultrastructure of embryonic envelopes and integument ofOncopeltus fasciatus Dallas (Insecta, Heteroptera). Zoomorphologie 85, 111–131 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00995407

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00995407

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