Oogenesis and fertilization in Dipetalonema viteae (Nematoda: Filarioidea)

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Abstract
Oogenesis and fertilization in the filarial worm Dipetalonema viteae have been described. The female gametes are developed from a syncytium situated at the posterior tip of the ovary. The syncytium grows along the length of the ovary as an anucleate rachis carrying the germ cells with it. In the germinal region of the ovary the rachis is a central axial structure, but in the growth region it becomes very branched. The female gametes retain their attachment with the rachis until they have become mature primary oocytes; they acquire a surface coat whilst in the growth zone of the ovary. At fertilization the successful spermatozoon produces numerous ribosomes. Residual spermatozoa are apparently destroyed by the oocyte. The fertilized oocyte divides meiotically to yield an ovum and two polar bodies. In species destined to be unsheathed in the blood the surface coat and the original oolemma separate from the surface of the ovum. A new oolemma is produced, presumably under the stimulus of fertilization.