Cytodifferentiation in the accessory glands of Tenebrio molitor. X. Ultrastructure of the tubular gland in the male pupa

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Abstract
The tubular accessory gland consists of a simple secretory epithelium surrounded by a muscular coat. Over the pupal instar, the gland increases ten-fold in volume and 15-fold in length. Pupal development is divisible into a phase of mitosis and one of cell growth. During the mitotic phase, cytoplasmic membranes are sparse and nuclei move toward the luminal face of the epithelium to undergo division. In the cell growth phase, the cells become more columnar, a few stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum are formed, and small dense secretory vesicles appear near the apical surface. The hormonal control of the developmental sequence is discussed.