Dictyosomes

Dictyosomes, a term introduced by Perroncito for the structural elements that constitute in the germ cells of mollusks and other animals the so-called accessory nucleus (Neben-kern), which is apparently analogous to the Golgi apparatus. The dictyosomes appear as scales resembling mitochondria (chondriosomes); they are always associated with vacuoles, usually located on their concave side and designated as archoplasm. The complex: dictyosomes + archoplasm constitute, according to Gatenby, Bowen, Karpova and others, the so-called Golgi apparatus (see Cell). In the typical form described, these structures are present only in germ cells, but the aforementioned authors consider it possible that such a structure of the Golgi apparatus is also characteristic of somatic cells (see figure).

Germ cell (spermatocyte of the first order) of the snail (Helix): IV-nucleus; M-mitochondria; D - dictyosomes; A-archoplasm. (Vital staining according to Karpova.) Dictyosomes are visible by all methods of studying testicular cells: in vivo observations, in vital staining (dictyosomes are stained with Janus green, archoplasm with Neutral red, see more details in Vital staining) and on fixed preparations. Dictyosomes are revealed very clearly by all methods typical for the Golgi apparatus. Their main difference from chondriosomes (besides size) lies in their more rapid and energetic osmication and silvering. Archoplasm is not blackened by these methods.