reproductive system
• the number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis is reduced about 50%
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• abnormal flagella and sperm heads are seen
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• the mutant sperm flagellum is often folded back towards the sperm head instead of being straight and elongated
• however, the composition of the mitochondrial sheath appears unaffected
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• mutant sperm heads are severely malformed and abnormally oriented with respect to the flagellum
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• mutant sperm heads lack a discernible well-developed acrosome
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• sperm motility is significantly decreased
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• transformation of round spermatids into spermatozoa is abnormal
• regional separation of differentiation stages is disturbed
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• male, but not female, mutants are infertile
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• sperm are unable to penetrate the zona pellucida
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cellular
• the number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis is reduced about 50%
|
• abnormal flagella and sperm heads are seen
|
• the mutant sperm flagellum is often folded back towards the sperm head instead of being straight and elongated
• however, the composition of the mitochondrial sheath appears unaffected
|
• mutant sperm heads are severely malformed and abnormally oriented with respect to the flagellum
|
• mutant sperm heads lack a discernible well-developed acrosome
|
• sperm motility is significantly decreased
|