1978/04/01 by Ruth G. Jones, Walter L. Davis, A. C. F. Hung +1 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Animal Behavior and Reproduction #Myofibril #Myofilament #Anatomy #Insemination #Ultrastructure #Biology #Cell biology #Actin #Botany #Endocrinology #Sperm
paper · doi:10.1002/aja.1001510411
openalex publication_date 1978/04/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/23
The fine structure of the insemination-induced flight muscle degeneration (histolysis) in the queen fire ant (Solenopsis spp.) has been investigated. Within 2 hours post-insemination, degenerative changes are detectable in the most peripheral fasciculi of the fibrillar flight muscle. Histolysis proceeds internally with time. Myofibril (sarcomere) dissolution begins with myofilament breakdown and continues until only free Z-line material remains. The latter subsequently disappears leaving, at the terminal stages, only nuclei, lamellar bodies (myelin figures), and tracheoles as residual myoid elements. Lysosomes and/or phagocytes do not appear to play a primary role in the initiation and continuance of this process.