Ontogeny of the complex sperm in the macrostomid flatworm Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora)
Willems, M.; Leroux, F.; Claeys, M.; Boone, M.; Mouton, S.; Artois, T.; Borgonie, G. (2009). Ontogeny of the complex sperm in the macrostomid flatworm Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora). J. Morphol. 270(2): 162-174. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.10675
In: Journal of Morphology. The Wistar Institute Press/Wiley: Philadelphia, Pa . ISSN 0362-2525; e-ISSN 1097-4687, more
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| Keywords |
Macrostomum lignano Ladurner, Schärer, Salvenmoser & Rieger, 2005 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
spermiogenesis; flatworm; Macrostomum lignano; bristles; ultrastructure |
| Abstract |
Spermiogenesis inMacrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora) is described using light- and electron microscopy of the successive stages in sperm development. Ovoid spermatids develop to highly complex, elongated sperm possessing an undulating distal (anterior) process (or “feeler”), bristles, and a proximal (posterior) brush. In particular, we present a detailed account of the morphology and ontogeny of the bristles, describing for the first time the formation of a highly specialized bristle complex consisting of several parts. This complex is ultimately reduced when sperm are mature. The implications of the development of this bristle complex on both sperm maturation and the evolution and function of the bristles are discussed. The assumed homology between bristles and flagellae questioned. |
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