ISSN:
1432-0886
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary 1. The study of certain structures, like the acrosome and Nebenkern, in the developing sperms of Arvelius is facilitated by the fact that they are present in greatly enlarged dimensions in certain testicular lobes while retaining normal size in adjoining lobes. 2. The dictyosomes or Golgi bodies in the spermatocytes are stained red by the PAS treatment. They are assembled to form the similarly stained acroblast in the spermatid, and the acrosome that is finally evolved is also PAS-positive in its color reaction. All the evidence indicates that in the process of acrosome formation there is a direct utilization of dictyosomal material which is already present two cell generations earlier. 3. The substance responsible for the red staining of the dictyosomes and acrosome is a polysaccharide with a 1,2 glycol grouping. There is also direct evidence for the presence of small quantities of proteins which probably form a complex with the polysaccharides. This complex is similar or perhaps identical with a mucopolysaccharide. 4. The Nebenkern, which is a mitochondrial derivative, does not contain polysaccharides with a 1,2 glycol grouping. On the other hand, it contains considerable amounts of proteins which, in contrast to those of the acrosome, are easily digested by pepsin. The evidence does not support the suggestion, frequently made, that the acrosome and Nebenkern are closely interrelated. 5. The enzymatic nature of the acrosome and its possible role in fertilization and sterility are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00325782
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