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The case for considering the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' as a misnomer in publications about assisted reproductive
Robert K Browne1, Govindappa Venu2, Svetlana A Kaurova3
1Sustainability America, La Isla Road, Sarteneja, Corozal District, Belize.
Abstract:
The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' was first used in 2003 in a description of anuran sperm and persists to this day throughout the literature on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians. In the present paper, we argue that the term is inappropriate because the widely accepted definition of a 'vesicle' refers to an integral structure with an enclosing lipid bilayer/membrane. Moreover, there are no electron micrographs that show a vesicular structure encapsulating mitochondria on amphibian sperm heads in the literature. In fact, in 1993, the mitochondria in the anuran sperm head had been described as positioned in 'mitochondrial collars' or 'mitochondrial sheaths' surrounded by the plasma membrane of the sperm head. On the other hand, mitochondrial-derived vesicles are defined as vesicles shed from mitochondria surfaces, potentially creating confusion. Therefore, our view is that the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' should be avoided in describing the positioning of mitochondria on sperm.
Insights
The term "mitochondrial vesicle" is inaccurate for describing amphibian sperm. Mitochondria are located in collars or sheaths, not enclosed vesicles, avoiding confusion with mitochondrial-derived vesicles.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
- Amphibian Research
Background:
- The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' has been used since 2003 in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for amphibians.
- This terminology persists despite lacking supporting electron micrograph evidence of vesicular structures around amphibian sperm mitochondria.
- Existing literature describes amphibian sperm mitochondria as being within 'mitochondrial collars' or 'sheaths' enclosed by the sperm's plasma membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the appropriateness of the term 'mitochondrial vesicle' in the context of amphibian sperm morphology.
- To clarify the structural positioning of mitochondria within anuran sperm.
- To prevent terminological confusion with mitochondrial-derived vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing electron micrographs of amphibian sperm.
- Comparison of the definition of 'vesicle' with observed mitochondrial structures in sperm.
- Analysis of terminology used in assisted reproductive technologies for amphibians.
Main Results:
- No electron micrographs confirm the presence of a vesicular structure encapsulating mitochondria on amphibian sperm heads.
- The established definition of a vesicle involves an enclosing lipid bilayer, which does not accurately describe the mitochondrial arrangement.
- Mitochondria in anuran sperm heads are consistently described as being in 'mitochondrial collars' or 'sheaths'.
Conclusions:
- The term 'mitochondrial vesicle' is inappropriate and should be avoided when describing the positioning of mitochondria on amphibian sperm.
- Accurate terminology, such as 'mitochondrial collar' or 'sheath', should be adopted to reflect the actual structure.
- Clarifying this terminology is crucial for reducing confusion, particularly concerning mitochondrial-derived vesicles in reproductive biology research.
