Spermiogenesis

Spermiogenesis summarizes the process of sperm structure and development in a variety of organisms. It attempts to illustrate the structure of the organelles that characterize mature spermatozoa and to trace the morphogenesis of these organelles during sperm formation. This task is complicated by considerable variations in the structure of spermatozoa among different species and the lack of good morphological studies of sperm structure and spermiogenesis in many animal groups. The general morphological features of mammalian sperm structure differ in some ways from the features of insect sperm, the spermatozoa produced by insects appearing relatively more simple. When the functions and developmental regions of the organelles are considered, homologies between complex structures found in mammalian sperm and simpler insect sperm structures may be deduced even though the organelles in question are quite dissimilar in appearance. Such homologies will be stressed in an effort to present as general a picture of spermiogenesis as seems consistent with the species-specific variations that exist. This book will be a useful, stimulating reference for students of reproductive biology.

This book contains the proceedings of the International Symposium on the Mechanisms of Sexual Reproduction in Animals and Plants, where many plant and animal reproductive biologists gathered to discuss their recent progress in investigating the shared mechanisms and factors involved in sexual reproduction. This now is the first book that reviews recent progress in almost all fields of plant and animal fertilization. It was recently reported that the self-sterile mechanism of a hermaphroditic marine invertebrate (ascidian) is very similar to the self-incompatibility system in flowering plants. It was also found that a male factor expressed in the sperm cells of flowering plants is involved in gamete fusion not only of plants but also of animals and parasites. These discoveries have led to the consideration that the core mechanisms or factors involved in sexual reproduction may be shared by animals, plants and unicellular organisms. This valuable book is highly useful for reproductive biologists as well as for biological scientists outside this field in understanding the current progress of reproductive biology.

International Review of Cytology V37

These proceedings of the 2018 XIII International Symposium on Spermatology focus on comparative biology, and encourages discussion and the exchange of ideas. The aim of this Symposium was to provide a unique opportunity and bring together scientists from a wide spectrum of research fields – human, domestic animals and other mammals, vertebrates, insects, and plants. The underlying focus is on the function of the spermatozoon – a common feature for sexual reproduction, but extremely varied. By exploring the variability, a better understanding of male reproductive functions can develop. These proceedings address the mechanisms of physiology and pathophysiology, rather than diagnosis and treatment. The symposium featured keynote lectures by invited speakers, followed by presentations on specific aspects of the general topic of the session. Experimental studies are given priority over clinical studies of patient populations. The proceedings comprise both keynote speakers' texts and selected free communications. Posters were considered for publication in the proceedings, and the volume includes exhibited materials on the work of prominent spermatologists, highlighting their important past achievements in the field.

This volume contains the Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Magnesium. It presents research and applications in order to interface between medical doctors, clinicians and scientists responsible for magnesium involvement in the pathogenesis of diseases, its biological significance, metabolism and many other utilizations which are associated with membranes and cells. The topics which are discussed concern mechanisms of the mode of action of free magnesium cations, hydrated cations and magnesium-linked cations.