Journal
JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
Volume 270, Issue 2, Pages 162-174Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10675
Keywords
spermiogenesis; flatworm; Macrostomum lignano; bristles; ultrastructure
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Funding
- Institute for the Promotion of Innovation
- FWO [101/8]
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Spermiogenesis in Macrostomum 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. J. Morphol. 270:162-174, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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