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Spermatogenesis in bombyx mori. I. The canal system joining sister spermatocytes

Robert C King1,2, Hiromu Akai1,2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston. Illinois 60201.

Journal of Morphology
|October 31, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The canal system connecting sister spermatocytes in Bombyx mori arises from incomplete cell divisions. These persistent canals may limit further gonocyte proliferation.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Sister spermatocytes in Bombyx mori are connected by a canal system.
  • The origin and precise function of this canal system remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin and morphology of the canal system connecting larval Bombyx mori spermatocytes.
  • To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying canal formation and persistence.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was employed to examine the ultrastructure of spermatocytes.
  • Analysis focused on the stages preceding meiosis and during canal formation.

Main Results:

  • Canal formation originates from incomplete cytokinesis during mitotic divisions preceding meiosis.
  • The lip surrounding the canals is likely derived from the contractile ring interacting with the midbody.
  • Cells exhibited up to four canals, indicating canal rim persistence across multiple cell cycles.

Conclusions:

  • Incomplete cytokinesis is the source of the spermatocyte canal system.
  • The persistent canals may play a role in regulating gonocyte proliferation, preventing unlimited divisions.

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