The Genital System of Temnocephala II.* Further Observations on theSpermatogenesis of Temnocephala novaezealandiae, with particular Reference to the Mitochondria

Abstract

The testis is bounded by a modified epithelium which has strongly phagocytic properties. Cells at synchronized stages of development are united in syncytia but do not form rosettes; the clusters of joined cells are enveloped by epithelial cell processes. A relatively long period of synapsis characterizes the primary spermatocytes. The nucleus passes through a racquet-shaped configuration as it commences to elongate, and later the compacted chromatin transforms into helically wound strands. At the time of centriole reorientation, the intercentriolar lamellar body divides down the middle, separating the mirror-image halves. Components of the intercentriolar body may give rise to the dense centriole caps. The peripheral microtubules form a spiral array in certain segments of the elongated sperm cell, and dense bodies with paracrystalline centres are regularly aligned in the shaft. When chromatoid bodies of animal spermatozoa are associated with aggregated, indented mitochondria. they are probably in process of degradation by cellular autophagy.