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Electron microscopic study of the spermatheca ofGesonula punctifrons (Acrididae: Orthoptera)

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Proceedings: Animal Sciences

Abstract

The present transmission electron microscopic study of the spermatheca of a common Indian grasshopper,Gesonula punctifrons, has highlighted the presence of the glandular secretory cells (SGC) and ductule cell (DC) in the spermathecal epithelium and additionally the occurrence of muscle cells, tracheoles and haemocytes. Both the former cell types are secretory in nature and probably their discharges in the lumen of the cuticle-lined spermathecal duct or ductule vary in their chemical nature. The ultrastructural evidence gives ample support to a concept of a lysosomal control of the secretory materials prior to their liberation in the lumen. The characteristic features of the plasma membranes of the secretory cells clearly suggest their involvement in the transepithelial transport of ions and smaller molecules across the basement membrane. A neuronal supply to the spermathecal wall is yet to be demonstrated to explain the filling in and out of the male gametes by this organ.

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Abbreviations

BBP:

Brush border processes

BM:

Basement membrane

BPM:

Basal plasma membrane

C:

Cuticle

CG:

Cytoplasmic granule

DC:

Ductule cell

DTL:

Ductule lumen

H:

Haemocyte

L:

Lumen of the spermatheca

LPM:

Lateral plasma membrane

M:

Mitochondrion

MB:

Myelin body

MC:

Muscle cell

N:

Nucleus

NCL:

Nucleolus

NM:

Nuclear membrane

RER:

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

SGC:

Spermathecal glandular cell

SV:

Secretory vesicle

SSV:

Small smooth surfaced microvesicle

T:

Fine tracheole

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, B. C. Road, 700 019, Calcutta, India

    S G Pal & D Ghosh

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  1. S G Pal
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  2. D Ghosh
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Pal, S.G., Ghosh, D. Electron microscopic study of the spermatheca ofGesonula punctifrons (Acrididae: Orthoptera). Proc Ani Sci 91, 99–112 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03186117

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03186117

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