The effect of X-radiation on the spermatogenesis of Abraxas grossulariata

Abstract

Following work which had already been carried out by us on the effects caused during sperm formation by X-radiation (12), it was considered possible that clearer results might be obtained by using lepidopterous germ cells. The cytoplasmic inclusions of these insects have already been studied by a number of workers, both intra vitam and in fixed preparations (4, 9, 10, 13). The Golgi elements, vacuoles and mitochondria can be seen with ease, in the fresh cell, and the delicacy of these structures in moths led us to believe, that if X-radiation did have any effect on the cytoplasmic bodies, it would be in such examples that observation would be easy.