Scanning Electron Microscopy of Eimeria tenella Microgametogenesis and Fertilization

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Abstract
Microgametes of E. tenella were observed in cecal tissue from infected chicks killed 6 days after inoculation with oocysts. Development from the microgamont stage to maturity was followed. Three commonly found, but distinctly different, stages occurred in developing microgametes while still associated with microgamonts. In the 1st, only the flagella could be seen protruding through the enveloping microgamont layer. In the 2nd, the bodies and flagella could be seen; the flagella had increased in size, and the bodies appeared bulbous. In the 3rd, nearly mature microgametes were randomly arranged around the microgamont, and the manner of flagellar attachment to the bodies near the apical conjunction of the perforatorium was seen. A free microgamete and a macrogamete with 1 penetrating and 2 adhering microgametes were found. One flagellum and most of the body of the penetrating microgamete had entered the macrogamete. All microgametes seen had 2 flagella.

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