Insect Sperm: Their Structure and Morphogenesis

Phillips, David M.

doi:10.1083/jcb.44.2.243

Cited by 383 publications

(210 citation statements)

References 113 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

198

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…The same features have been described in spermatozoa of other heteropteran species (Phillips, 1970;Afzelius et al, 1976;Dallai and Afzelius, 1980;Dolder, 1988). These characters are synapomorphic and hence useful in phylogenetic studies.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 65%

Structural specialization in the flagellum of the spermatozoon of the bloodsucking bug (Rhodnius prolixus; Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Báo

Souza

1994

Tissue and Cell

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Spermatozoa of the triatomideo Rhodnius prolixus possess an axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 2 microtubule pattern and two mitochondrial derivatives. Bridges occur between axoneme and mitochondrial derivatives. Two paracrystalline structures embedded in amorphous regions were observed in the mitochondrial derivative. The use of the negative staining technique shows a zig-zag profile in the mitochondrial derivatives due to infolding to the cristae, regularly spaced with approximately 50 nm. This spacing is also observed in the distribution of the strands of particles in the mitochondrial membrana as seen in freeze-fracture replicas. In the P-fracture face of the flagellar plasma membrane, a regular array of the intramembranous particles was observed. This array consists of two rows, with 12-15 particles, and occurs in the space between the mitochondrial derivatives. Thus R. prolixus spermatozoon present a membrane domain, localized in the flagellar region, and bridges between mitochondrial membrane derivatives and the plasma membrane are probably attached to the flagellar components. These membrane specializations may be related to the production of coordinated flagellar movement, and can contribute significantly to further phylogenetic studies.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 65%

Structural specialization in the flagellum of the spermatozoon of the bloodsucking bug (Rhodnius prolixus; Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Báo

Souza

1994

Tissue and Cell

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In H. foveolatum, as in most insects, the development of the germinative cells takes place within cysts ( Phillips, 1970). The cystic organization of spermatogonial lineage cells is also common for Hymenoptera ( Cruz-Landim, 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermiogenesis in Hypanthidium foveolatum (Alfken, 1930) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Megachilinae)

Gracielle

Fiorillo

Lino‐Neto

et al. 2009

Micron

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The morphological aspects of male reproductive tract, spermiogenesis and spermatozoa are typical for each species and reflect its evolution, establishing a unique source of characters, which has been used to help solve phylogenetic problems. In Hypanthidium foveolatum the reproductive tract is composed of the testes comprising 28 testicular tubules, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, accessory glands and an ejaculatory duct. The differentiation of spermatids occurs within cysts of up to 128 germ line cells each one. During the early spermatid phase, the nucleus resembles that of somatic cells. There follows a gradual chromatin condensation with an increase in nuclear electron density. In the spermatozoon, the nucleus contains heterogeneous chromatin with a loose appearance. The acrosome, shaped with the active participation of the Golgi complex, shows an electron-dense perforatorium involved by four electron-lucent acrosomal vesicle projections. The sperm tail presents an axoneme with a 9 + 9 + 2 microtubule pattern and two mitochondrial derivatives, which appear with different sizes. A dense crystalloid is formed initially in the mitochondrial matrix of the large derivative. The mitochondrial derivatives' differentiation occurs concomitantly with an axoneme outgrowth. The centriolar adjunct is observed near the axoneme, anterior to the smaller mithocondrial derivative and exhibits an approximately triangular shape in cross-sections. Microtubules were observed around the head region and flagellar components during spermiogenesis.

show abstract

“…Also, an excellent revision of this subject can be found in Jamieson et al (1999). The honey bee sperm, as in most insects (Phillips, 1970), are quite long and filamentous and about 250-270 µm long. The acrosomal complex is formed by a conical acrosomal vesicle and internally, the perforatorium which extends from a deep fossa in the anterior nuclear tip.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sperm ultrastructure of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) (L) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) with emphasis on the nucleus-flagellum transition region

2000

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The flagellum of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae) consists of two mitochondrial derivatives, an axoneme and two accessory bodies. The mitochondrial derivatives are of unequal size and lie parallel to the axoneme. In the larger derivative four regions can be distinguished while in the smaller, only three. The region occurring only in the larger derivative consists of paracystalline material. The smaller mitochondrial derivative terminates anterior to the larger one. An extremely long centriolar adjunct is observed between the nucleus and the smaller mitochondrial derivative. This adjunct is compact, very electron dense and gradually tapers from base toward apex, finishing at the anterior extremity of the axonemal microtubules. In this flagellar region, there is only one accessory body present between the larger mitochondrial derivative and the axoneme. Anteriorly, the tips of the axonemal microtubules are inserted in a well developed mass of granular appearance. This material surrounds the nuclear base, separating it from the anterior end of the larger mitochondrial derivative. We believe that the structure identified here as a centriolar adjunct is homologous to that observed in Formicidae, Ichneumonoidea and Symphyta. Therefore, very probably, it is common to most Hymenoptera.

show abstract

Insect Sperm: Their Structure and Morphogenesis

Cited by 383 publications

References 113 publications

Structural specialization in the flagellum of the spermatozoon of the bloodsucking bug (Rhodnius prolixus; Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Structural specialization in the flagellum of the spermatozoon of the bloodsucking bug (Rhodnius prolixus; Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Morphology of the male reproductive system and spermiogenesis in Hypanthidium foveolatum (Alfken, 1930) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Megachilinae)

Sperm ultrastructure of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) (L) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) with emphasis on the nucleus-flagellum transition region

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About