Development of Germ Cells in the Adult Stage of the Digenetic Trematode, Gorgoderina attenuata Stafford, 1902

Abstract

Development of male and female gametes was traced cytologically from primordial germ cells to maturity; 2n = 14. Cytoplasmic constituents and nuclear structures were studied with regard to origin and fate, using Feulgen''s and other standard techniques. Fertilization and early cleavage are descr. The relation between cytoplasmic structures of oocytes and vitelline cells and the nutrition and shell formation of the egg have been studied. Results are correlated with reports of these processes in other spp.