This video sequence was recorded (and displayed) in real time, using Nomarski (DIC) optics. The full frame width is 56 um. The amoeboid cell goes briefly out of focus when the immersing fluid sweeps across the field, then slowly rounds up.

STAGE I (videosequence A): When immersed in buffer, most amoebae gradually round up, while maintaining some form of attachment to the agar substratum. Although these early transforming cells no longer translocate like amoebae during growth phase, some do move slowly, extending and retracting pseudopodia sporadically. Bulk protoplasmic flow, which occurs infrequently in amoebae, is not seen after immersion, but there is an increase in the number of small scale organelle movements. When examined after fixation in suspension, stage I cells appear rounded, approximately 10 um in diameter, with short pseudopods and a rounded nucleus in a central location. They predominate during the first few minutes of the transformation.

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