The three-dimensional conformation and activity of mitochondria in syncytial male germ line-cysts of medicinal leeches

Authors:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We studied the spatial conformation and activity of mitochondria in the developing syncytial male germline cysts during spermatogenesis of the medicinal leeches using light, fluorescent, transmission electron microscopy, and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. In cysts with spermatogonia and spermatocytes, mitochondria form networks and are in a dynamic hyperfusion state, while in cysts with spermatids, a single huge mitochondrion is observed. As spermiogenesis progresses, this huge mitochondrion is finally located in the future midpiece. The highest activity, in terms of membrane potential, of the mitochondria in H. medicinalis germline cysts was observed in cysts with spermatocytes; the lowest was in cysts with late elongated spermatids.
Funding Information
  • Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland within the statutory activities of Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice.

This publication has 58 references indexed in Scilit: