Phase-Contrast and Electron Microscope Studies on the Golgi Bodies and Mitochondria of the Germ Cells of <i>Helix aspersa</i>

Abstract

1. The Golgi bodies of the male germ cells of Helix aspersa have been observed in the living cells by aid of the phase-contrast microscope. Their form and distribution are exactly like those seen in fixed material. Accordingly, they cannot be artifacts induced by the methods used to demonstrate them.2. In electron micrographs the Golgi bodies have the same form and distribution as those seen in the living cell under the phase-contrast microscope. In addition, they (osmiophilic portion of fixed and impregnated material) are relatively opaque to the electrons, yet display a fine fibrous internal structure. On the inner side, i.e., that of the lesser curvature of the crescent and ring-like Golgi bodies, is seen a highly vacuolated region which probably corresponds to the osmiophobic region of the classical description. However, here this vacuolated region does not seem to be a morphological part of the Golgi bodies, but appears more like a region of active synthesis probably associated with the function of the Golgi material.3. In ultracentrifuged cells the mitochondria are displaced to the centrifugal end and the Golgi bodies to the centripetal end of the cell. This demonstrates that the Golgi bodies differ sharply in relative specific gravity from the mitochondria.4. Mitochondria in electron micrographs were observed composed of longitudinal striations which may in reality, be lamellae. Mitochondria are distinct from the Golgi bodies.