Mitochondrial biogenesis during spermatogenesis in Heliothis virescens,H. subflexa,and their male-sterile backcross hybrids

The mitochondrial proteins synthesized by spermatogenic cells from Heliothis virescens, H. subflexa, and their male-sterile backcross progeny were analyzed by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This subset of total cellular proteins was defined by using a combination of cellular fractionation techniques and pulse-labeling in the presence of antibiotics. Mitochondrial morphology was also evaluated in cells from fertile and sterile testes by using the laser dye rhodamine 123. These studies revealed that while abnormal mitochondrial structures are apparent in sperm from backcross moths, neither protein synthesis nor import into the organelle was affected in these individuals. Two mitochondrial proteins exhibiting charge variation between the two parental hybridizing species have been identified, and these results are discussed within the context of a hypothesis developed to account for the sterility phenomenon.