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  • Title: Giant sperm cells with accessory macrotubules in a neuropteran insect.
    Author: Dallai R, Lupetti P, Osella G, Afzelius BA.
    Journal: Tissue Cell; 2005 Oct; 37(5):359-66. PubMed ID: 16043201.
    Abstract:
    The flagellar axoneme of the atypical spermatozoa (paraspermatozoa) of Mantispa perla (Neuroptera, Planipennia) contains accessory microtubules or rather macrotubules that are 55 nm in diameter and that has a wall consisting of about 40 protofilaments. The sperm tail further contains two giant mitochondrial derivatives, which during spermiogenesis store an electron dense material. The mature spermatozoon has a flattened acrosome and a elliptical nucleus. These giant spermatozoa may furnish nutrients to the functional spermatozoa (euspermatozoa) when they reach the female genital tracts or/and they function in sperm competition filling the spermatheca.
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