POLYESTER-METHACRYLATE EMBEDMENTS FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

It has been found that tissues fixed for electron microscopy and dehydrated in acetone can be embedded in mixtures of n-butyl methacrylate and polyester resin. Activation with 1 per cent tert-butyl hydroperoxide followed by 12 to 48 hours at 60°C produces blocks that section well with glass knives. The ribbons are cleared of methacrylate by heat (200–250°C for 1 hour) and/or immersion in organic solvents (CCL₄, acetone-ether). After removal of the methacrylate the residual polyester matrix provides thermostable and insoluble support for the tissue. Its insolubility permits staining by immersion of cleared preparations in organic solvents carrying heavy metal compounds in solution. Clearing by heat stabilizes section-grid relationships. The removal of volatile materials by clearing substantially reduces contamination of both specimen and microscope. Tissue fine structure is well preserved in these preparations.     

SYNTHETIC ACTIVITIES DURING SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE LOCUST

Isolated testes of the locust Schistocerca gregaria were immersed in solutions of tritiated thymidine, cytidine, uridine, or arginine for short periods to study nucleic acid and protein synthesis during spermatogenesis. DNA synthesis in this tissue is completed prior to initiation of meiosis. Protein synthesis continues throughout the whole meiotic cycle as well as during spermatid development. Meiotic cells, except those in metaphase through early telophase, and early spermatids are also actively synthesizing RNA. The heteropycnotic X-chromosome does not produce RNA at any stage of spermatogenesis. The rates of protein and particularly RNA synthesis decrease as chromosome condensation progresses. Depression of RNA synthesis, however, is not always accompanied by cytologically detectable condensation of chromatin, since very little or no RNA is synthesized in spermatids in which chromatin condensation has barely begun.     

On the identity ofCeryle rudis syriaca

Ceryle rudis syriaca Roselaar, 1995 was separated from nominaterudis only by its longer wings. As variations in the wing length ofCeryle rudis follow Bergmann's rule, it is suggested thatsyriaca is not recognised as a separate named taxon.

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Zusammenfassung Die Trennung vonCeryle rudis syriaca Roselaar, 1996 als eigene Subspezies basiert ausschließlich auf der etwas größeren Flügellänge. Da gezeigt werden konnte, daß die Flügellänge des Graufischers derBergmannschen Regel folgt, wird vorgeschlagen,syriaca wieder zu eliminieren.