Cytoskeletal connections between the nucleus and cell cortex in Amoeba proteus: A scanning electron microscope study

Scanning electron microscopy of Amoeba proteus cells, fractured by microman ipulation after fixation and drying, reveals cable-like strands intertwinin g around the surface of the nucleus. Some strands leave the nucleus, cross the fluid endoplasm and reach the ectoplasmic cortical gel built of F-actin network. These strands contain large F-actin bundles, and are non-permanen t structures. They control the nucleus drift forwards with the endoplasmic flow, by anchoring it periodically to the ectoplasmic cylinder.