An ultrastructural investigation of the spermatozoa of two ophiuroids, Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma wendti: acrosomal morphology and reaction

Abstract

The spermatozoa of two closely related species of ophiuroids, Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma wendti, were examined ultrastructurally. Morphologically, these spermatozoa resemble those of other non-echinoid echinoderms. The acrosomal complex, completely contained within an anterior fossa in the spherical nucleus, consists of a membrane-limited acrosomal vesicle and periacrosomal material. Events of the acrosomal reaction in O. echinata and O. wendti are presented. In both species, the reaction results in the establishment of an extracellular coat of acrosomal vesicle origin on the anterior surface of the spermatozoon. The possible role of this extracellular coat in the species-specific binding of sperm and ova is discusses. The origin of acrosomal tubule membrane is elucidated.