The eggshell of Drosophila melanogaster. II. New staging characteristics and fine structural analysis of choriogenesis

Abstract

The characteristics of the stages of choriogenesis have been identified using light and electron microscopy. Nine stages have been discerned (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B), replacing the four stages used so far (11, 12, 13, 14). Characteristics used to determine the stage of the choriogenesis include (a) the size of oocyte as compared with the whole follicle, (b) the length of the chorionic appendages, and (c) the fine structure of the chorionic layers at the main shell and at the specialized regions. Factors a and b were detected by dark-field light microscopy on living follicles, whereas factor c was studied with electron microscopy. At stage 11A the vitelline membrane has just been completed. At stage 11B the follicle cells secrete the wax layer and the respiratory appendages start to form. Stage 12A follicles secrete endochorion at the anterior pole and the appendages elongate, whereas at stage 12B the main shell follicle cells start to secrete endochorion complex. Stage 12C shows initiation of pillar formation at the main shell and 150 μm long appendages. Stage 13A is characterized by 200 μm long appendages and formation of endochorionic cavities at the main shell, through the participation of a "flocculent" material. At stage 13B the endochorionic "roof is formed, which is completed at stage 14A by the simultaneous formation of the "roof network." The last stage, 14B, exhibits 300 μm long appendages and the secretion of exochorion over the entire follicle. The above stages are accompanied by region-specific formation of specialized structures which include the respiratory appendages, the operculum, the posterior pole, the micropyle, and the collar.