Microtubules and the development of the corkscrew region of a mealybug sperm bundle.
Two systems of microtubules appear to be functionally significant in the transformation of a small cell into an elongated, acellular 'corkscrew', which represents the anterior region of a sperm bundle of Pseudococcus obscurus. One system of microtubules lies within the cell; it is oriented parallel to the long axis of the cell, and may be important in the elongation of the cell. The other system of microtubules is outside of the cell, appears to form a multistranded helix around the cell, and may be related to the production of the helical contour of the corkscrew.
Ross
J
J
Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902.