R. D. Richard

Spermiogenesis in house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera : Muscidae): A transmisssion electron microscope study

Abstract Musca domestica L., house fly, spermiogenesis is illustrated by transmission electron micrographs. The basic morphologic features of spermiogenesis which are presented include: elongation of the nucleus, and the development of the centriole adjunct, acrosome, and microtubules. A two-part centriole adjunct and a basal body (centriole derivative) that contains three central tubules are reported for the first time in developing insect sperm. It is suggested that the three tubules are related to the transitory microtubules in the sperm cytoplasm. Finally, it is postulated that at least three sperm types in insects exist with respect to the associations which the mitochondrial derivatives, the ciliary bundle (axial filament), and the centriole adjunct have with the base of the nucleus. These three forms can be categorized on the basis of their respective nuclei as truncate, concave and convex.