Ultrastructural studies of oogenesis in Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae)

Abstract

Ultrastructural studies of oogenesis in Bolinus brandaris are described. Although the initial phase of oogenesis is common to most animal species, vitellogenesis can be considered a species-specific characteristic. In the vitellogenesis of B. brandaris, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula play a relevant role in the formation of myelinised membranous systems. Nuclear envelope, Golgi body and the oocyte plasma membrane invaginations are three possible origins for annulate lamellae. The latter can be considered membranous reservoirs. There are two sources for the vitellum: Exogenous (from follicular cells) and endogenous (from the endoplasmic reticulum of the same oocyte).