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Studies of oogenesis in the rotifer, Asplanchna

II. Oocyte growth and development

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Summary

Oocyte development in Asplanchna brightwelli was studied by observation through the transparent body wall of living females and by electron microscopy. During oogenesis, which requires four to six hours, the oocyte increases in volume approximately 1000-fold. Most of its cytoplasm appears to be derived from the vitellarium by direct flow through the cytoplasmic bridge. This flow is rapid enough to be easily observed in the living female at low magnifications. Ribosomes, mitochondria, cortical granules, and lipid droplets were observed in the bridge area in electron micrographs.

RNA synthesis during oogenesis was studied by means of autoradiography. Very little synthesis could be demonstrated in oocyte nuclei at any period of oogenesis, whereas the vitellarium nuclei show active incorporation of 3H-uridine throughout the reproductive life of the adult female. Most of this RNA is subsequently transferred to developing oocytes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, California, USA

    Mary E. Bentfeld

  2. Department of Biology, Rosary College, 60305, River Forest, Illinois, USA

    Mary E. Bentfeld

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  1. Mary E. Bentfeld
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This research was supported by USPHS Grant GM 121183 to Dr. C. W. Birky, Jr.

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Bentfeld, M.E. Studies of oogenesis in the rotifer, Asplanchna . Z. Zellforsch. 115, 184–195 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391124

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391124

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