The "9+1" pattern of microtubules in spermatozoa of Mesostoma (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria)

Abstract

The living spermatozoa of the flatworm Mesostoma georgianum have a sperm body about 100 mu long and 0.5 mu wide, and two motile free flagella, ca. 200 mu long. In sections examined with the electron microscope, these flagella have the usual nine pairs of peripheral doublet microtubules and have a single central core unit which is connected to the A members of the doublets by spokelike structures. There are also short connections between the doublets and the flagellar membrane. In material negatively stained with phosphotungstic acid, the doublet microtubules seem to have very different elastic properties than the core; they tend to fall on the copper grids in coils of rather uniform diameter (2-4 mu), while the core is much more rigid and is often found extending alone, along a relatively straight course, for very long distances (up to 73 mu). After negative staining, the core has a striking appearance with a dense center around which are wound two hollow structures in a double helix of 45 degrees pitch. The center-to-center distance of each gyre is approximately 650 A, and the hollow structures are ca. 180 A in diameter.