Spermatogenesis in a trichuroid nematode,Trichuris muris—I. Fine structure of spermatogonia

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Abstract
Spermatogonial structure in the hologonic testis of T. muris was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Chromosomal configurations indicating a diploid complement of 6 were visible at the light microscope level. A high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, polysomes, few Golgi complexes and mitochondria were the main ultrastructural features of the spermatogonial cells. Numerous intercellular bridges, linking up to 4 cells in a single section, were resolved. Desmosomal attachment points were present between conjoined cells and processes of non-germinal sustentacular cells were in close association. This arrangement is discussed in relation to germinal and non-germinal cells in other invertebrate and vertebrate organisms.