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Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in Diurodrilus subterraneus (Polychaeta, Diurodrilidae)

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Abstract

Spermiogenesis in the polychaete species Diurodrilus subterraneus may be divided into six stages. These stages, as well as the ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoa, are described based on TEM studies. The spermatozoa are unusual in having a very large acrosome followed by a region containing the nucleus and several ovoid mitochondria. A secondary acrosomal membrane forms a manchette around the nucleus and mitochondria. In this region, the plasma membrane is modified, with many small, mushroom-shaped cytoplasmic processes, each including filaments. The flagellum may be divided into three sequential regions; the longest, middle one is covered by a helically arranged mucous coat. Spermatozoa of the type described here are unknown among polychaetes but show certain superficial resemblances to those in oligochaetes. The resemblance of the mushroom-shaped bodies to spermatozoal microvilli in certain gnathostomulids is discussed. The phylogenetic relationships of Diurodrilidae are considered on the basis of this new information.

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  1. Zoological Museum, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark

    Reinhardt Møbjerg Kristensen & Danny Eibye-Jacobsen

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  1. Reinhardt Møbjerg Kristensen
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  2. Danny Eibye-Jacobsen
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Kristensen, R.M., Eibye-Jacobsen, D. Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and spermatozoa in Diurodrilus subterraneus (Polychaeta, Diurodrilidae). Zoomorphology 115, 117–132 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403260

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