Studies on the fine structure of spermatids and spermatozoa of the crab, Pinnixia sp

Early spermatids of the carb, Pinnixia sp., are characterized by a large nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. During early spermiogenesis an organelle, composed of pentalaminar membranes derived from the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear membranes, is formed. Portions of this organelle become incorporated within a cylinder-shaped invagination of the acrosome. Portions of the nuclear membrane disappear beneath the acrosome resulting in intermingling of nucleoplasm, centrioles and mitochondria. The nuclear membrane elsewhere is found as a pentalaminar membrane underlying the plasma membrane. Centrioles are found in mature spermatozoa at the base of the cylinder-shaped acrosomal invagination, and mitochondria are found intermingled with nuclear remanants surrounding the acrosome. This datum is compared to previously described events in spermiogenesis of other decapod crustacea and arthropods exhibiting similar modes of spermiogenesis. It is concluded that the differences and/or similarities exhibited by centrioles and mitochondria in these forms could be significant in terms of subsequent zygote differentiation.