Question

In male cockroaches, sperms are stored in which part of the reproductive system?
A. Seminal vesicles
B. Mushroom glands
C. Testes
D. Vas deferens

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is an important part of an organism’s life cycle, which ensures its sustenance on earth. The reproductive system of male cockroaches consists of vasa deferentia, a pair of testes, phallic gland, utricular gland, an ejaculatory duct and external genitalia.

Complete answer:
To find the correct answer, let us look at the function of each part of the reproductive system given in the options:
- Sperms are the male gametes of cockroaches. They are produced in the testis which are found at the 4th and 5th segment in the body of cockroaches. Young cockroaches have well developed testes. It eventually becomes non-functional as they become old.
- Each testes has a Vas-deferens, a thread-like structure extending towards its posterior end. They are responsible for transporting the sperm from the testis to the ejaculatory duct.
- The utricular gland, also known as mushroom glands, are found at the junction of vas deferens and ejaculatory duct is an accessory reproductive gland. This gland is white in colour consisting of utriculi majores and utriculi bervivores. Utriculi majores are responsible for the inner layer of spermatophore production. Utriculi bervivores are responsible for nourishing the sperms.
- Seminal vesicles are responsible for storing the sperms. It is an accessory reproductive gland. It secretes nutrients such as fructose and calcium etc. These nutrients are also responsible for nourishing the sperm. Seminal vesicle also provides the basicity via secretion of alkaline substances. It also glues together the sperms into spermatophores. This helps to transport the sperms in an efficient manner through the reproductive system of male.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The cockroaches, like most of the animals, produce pheromones to attract their mates. After copulation, the females carry the fertilized eggs until it is time for it to hatch. Interestingly, there are a few species of cockroaches, which are parthenogenetic i.e. asexual reproduction without sperm.