Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s2-78, 311-327, Copyright © 1935 by Company of Biologists

Memoirs: The Spermatogenesis of Stenophylax stellatus, Curt. (Trichoptera)

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Edinburgh

1. The structure of the nuclei of the spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and the nuclear changes during the division of the spermatocytes are described. The nucleolus of the spermatocytes of Stenophylax does not contribute directly to the formation of the chromosomes as claimed by Lutman (8) for Platyphylax designatus. The diploid chromosome number of Stenophylax stellatus is sixty.

2. The Golgi material of the spermatogonia and of the early primary spermatocytes is in the form of a dense mass; in the primary spermatocytes this mass separates to form two masses. The Golgi material of the spermatogonia and spermatocytes breaks up to form Golgi bodies which move towards the poles of the spindle, and are thus distributed with approximate equality to the resulting cells.

3. Granular mitochondria are present in the spermatogonia; during the metaphase they are distributed throughout the cytoplasm. During the division of the spermatocytes the mitochondria come together to form two masses at the side of the spindle; in the telophase these masses are separated into two approximately equal parts.

4. The acrosome is formed under the influence of some of the Golgi material; after its formation the Golgi material breaks up into smaller bodies which become distributed through the tail region.

5. The mitochondria, in the form of a tangled mass of filaments, become arranged around the axial filament; later they form a compact sheath.

6. A vesicle makes its appearance in the nucleus of the young spermatid and increases in size, but later becomes smaller and finally disappears. A structure which is probably a postnuclear body was observed in the young spermatid.