The plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis spermatozoon

Gamete Res. 1989 Oct;24(2):237-46. doi: 10.1002/mrd.1120240211.

Abstract

Xenopus laevis sperm plasma membrane ultrastructure has been studied by means of freeze-fracture, deep-etching, and lectin-gold binding. Xenopus spermatozoa differ from those of other species in that their plasma membrane does not exhibit topographical domains. In fact, no geometric arrangement or characteristic array of particles is present on fractured plasma membrane. Fractures rarely occur in acrosomal or nuclear membranes. Wheat germ agglutinin receptors are distributed homogeneously on the plasma membrane of the sperm head and tail.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Freeze Etching
  • Freeze Fracturing
  • Male
  • Species Specificity
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / ultrastructure*
  • Wheat Germ Agglutinins / pharmacokinetics
  • Xenopus laevis / physiology*

Substances

  • Wheat Germ Agglutinins