Origin of male gametes from choanocytes in spongia officinalis (porifera, demospongiae)

The male accessory reproductive gland of the mature adult Locusta has been examined during early adult development. The protein content of the accessory gland increased markedly over the first 15 days of adult life. No increase in DNA was evident over this time period. Thus, cellular proliferation of the male accessory gland occurs prior to the imaginal molt with protein accumulating within the tubules of the gland during early adult life. Electropherograms of the extracts of the 16 individual tubules of the male accessory reproductive gland indicated that the secretions of the accessory gland are composed of a great variety of proteins, with a wide range of molecular weights and charge properties. Many of the proteins appear to have a carbohydrate moiety. Eleven distinct banding patterns are evident on the electropherograms of the soluble protein of the individual tubules of the male accessory reproductive gland. The identical band patterning observed in sets of tubules, their close proximity to one another within the whole accessory gland, and their identical tubule length suggest a regional specialization in synthesis of protein.