Fine structure of acrosome biogenesis and of mature sperm in the bivalve molluscs Glycymeris sp (Pteriomorphia) and Eurhomalea rufa (Heterodonta)

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2003

Authors

Guerra, R (Author) Other; sousa, m (Author) ICBAS; Torres, A (Author) Other; Oliveira, E (Author) Other; Baldaia, L (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Helgoland Marine Research

Vol. 57

Pages: 7-12

ISSN: 1438-387X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 5 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-HHQ

DOI: 10.1007/s10152-003-0134-6

Abstract (EN): Proacrosomal vesicles form during the pachytene stage, being synthetized by the Golgi complex in Glycymeris sp., and by both the Golgi and the rough endoplasmic reticulum in Eurhomalea rufa. During early spermiogenesis, a single acrosomal vesicle forms and its apex becomes linked to the plasma membrane while it migrates. In Glycymeris sp., the acrosomal vesicle then turns cap-shaped (1.8 mum) and acquires a complex substructure. In E. rufa, proacrosomal vesicles differentiate their contents while still at the premeiotic stage; as the acrosomal vesicle matures and its contents further differentiate, it elongates and becomes longer than the nucleus (3.2 mum), while the subacrosomal space develops a perforatorium. Before condensation, chromatin turns fibrillar in Glycymeris sp., whereas it acquires a cordonal pattern in E. rufa. Accordingly, the sperm nucleus of Glycymeris sp. is conical and elongated (8.3 mum), and that of E. rufa is short and ovoid (1.1 mum). In the mid-piece (Glycymeris sp.: 1.1 mum; E. rufa: 0.8 mum), both species have four mitochondria encircling two linked orthogonal (Glycymeris sp.) or orthogonal and tilted (30-40degrees; E. rufa) centrioles. In comparison with other Arcoida species, sperm of Glycymeris sp. appear distinct due to the presence of an elongated nucleus, a highly differentiated acrosome, and four instead of five mitochondria. The same occurs with E. rufa regarding other Veneracea species, with the acrosome of the mature sperm strongly resembling that of the recent Mytilinae.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6