ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Spermatozoa
;
Echinoderm, Ophiuroid
;
Acrosomal reaction
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The spermatozoa of two closely related species of ophiuroids, Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma wendti, were examined ultrastructurally. Morphologically, these spermatozoa resemble those of other non-echinoid echinoderms. The acrosomal complex, completely contained within an anterior fossa in the spherical nucleus, consists of a membranelimited acrosomal vesicle and periacrosomal material. Events of the acrosomal reaction in O. echinata and O. wendti are presented. In both species, the reaction results in the establishment of an extracellular coat of acrosomal vesicle origin on the anterior surface of the spermatozoon. The possible role of this extracellular coat in the species-specific binding of sperm and ova is discussed. The origin of acrosomal tubule membrane is elucidated.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00219958
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