Fine structural observations on the human sperm nuclear matrix.
The nucleus of the mammalian sperm is formed after a series of morphological and biochemical changes during spermatogenesis. The human sperm nucleus, after sequential extraction with detergents, nuclease and ammonium sulfate, consists of a fibroskeletal structure which maintains the original nuclear shape. The chromatin-depleted skeleton is formed by thick and thin fibers as well as electron-dense patches of different sizes. These highly branched matrix fibers had average diameters of 35 and 12 nm. Polarization of the fibroskeletal structure is apparent and can be used as a good model to study the function of nuclear matrix in nuclear compartmentation in germ cells.
Chew
E C
EC
Department of Anatomy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
Cheng-Chew
S B
SB
Yam
H F
HF
Yang
L
L
Leung
P Y
PY
Liew
C T
CT
Ding
M X
MX
D002843:Chromatin / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D002843:Chromatin