Abstract
1. The present studies deal with the cytochemical observations in the normal and X-irradiated spermatogenesis of Stenobothrus viridulus.
2. The nucleus of the normal cell contains basic proteins, DNA, and acid mucopolysaccharides containing carboxyl groups only. The nuclear membrane, however, shows the presence of lipids. In the irradiated nucleus, the site of DNA and basic proteins are clearly marked, the former aggregated along the nuclear membrane while the latter concentrated in the centre.
3. The mitochondria and the mitochondrial nebenkern of the normal material consist of tyrosine and arginine. The outer membrane of the nebenkern has acidic lipids and cholesterol. In the irradiated material, the intensity of the reactions increased with the coagulation of the proteins. They can now be differentiated with the lipoidal membrane.
4. The Golgi bodies consist of galactogen, acid mucopolysaccharides (sulphuric acid groups only), and acidic lipids. In the irradiated material, the polysaccharides lose the staining power while the lipids form the outer membrane.
5. The acrosome is PAS positive and also contains tyrosine. The latter becomes more pronounced in the abnormal material.
6. The centriole region consists of lipids plus proteins. The latter coagulate in the irradiated material and is clearly differentiated from the lipids.
