No abstract

The effect of x-irradiation on grasshopper spermatogenesis was studied with the aid of light and electron microscopy. The insects were irradiated at the second instar prior to the presence of maturation stages and observed at the last instar and imago stages. Dosages of 100 to 600 roentgens were found to retard the differentiation of the nucleus and mitochondrial nebenkern in spermatids. Evidence is presented that irradiation causes a curtailment and disorganization in the differentiation of the nebenkern from mitochondria. The above doses also induced the formation of supernumerary centrioles, flagellar filaments and acrosomes; nuclear disorganization as well as pycnosis and fragmentation also occur. The nucleus appears to be drawn toward each radiation-induced supernumerary acrosome, with consequent muhipolarity of the nucleus. Induction of a set of flagellar filaments is seen only where the centriolar structure is in contact with the nucleus. Details are given of an organelle, heretofore not described, that is composed of anastomosed and interwoven cytoplasmic strands.

SYNOPSIS. Materials within the endoplasm of both the protomerite and deutomerite may be displaced and stratified by ultracentrifugation. Animals are not killed by this treatment, and in time a redistribution of stratified materials may occur. The electron microscope reveals numerous ultramicroscopic folds in the surface envelope which is composed of 3 membranes; the outer and middle cover the surface of the folds while the inner one continues as a smooth membrane over the ectoplasm. The contact surfaces of animals in syzygy do not show the small folds to be interlocked; instead, they are in fold‐to‐fold contact. Numerous relatively dense bodies which appear to be filamentous are sometimes observed immediately underneath or within the middle or inner membrane. Within the ectoplasm is an ultramicroscopic net‐like fibrillar structure much denser than the surrounding cytoplasm. This system of fibrils is composed of anastomosing elements varying from ∼ 50 to 200 Å in diameter. Certain of the larger fibrils are directly attached to the surface envelope at positions between the folds. A second filamentous structure within the ectoplasm appears to be tubular. Elements of this system also appear to join and penetrate the surface envelope by means of pores. A large amount of gelatinous secretion forms at the surface of the sporont; as it glides forward a trail of mucous is left behind. The actual mechanism involved in the gliding movement was unobserved, but evidence is lacking to support the view that the gliding movement is engendered by posteriorly directed “jets” of mucus.