This close up of the surface of Micrasteria thomasiana was taken with a differential interference X40 objective fitted onto a Leitz microscope, the surface of the cell was in constant motion. The nucleus can be seen in what is called the isthmus which divides the cell into two semi cells, which is a distinctive characteristic of most Desmids. The mechanism for cytoplasmic streaming is not fully understood but it is known to transport nutrients and other chemicals around the cell body. Phase contrast is superb to observe cytoplasmic streaming in action in most types of cells including the amoeba, which it aids in allowing this type of single celled organism to be very mobile with the action of actin and myosin. All Eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton network which is made up of protein filaments, this framework cannot be seen through the light microscope unless stained by special methods.

Microtubles, actin filaments and intermediate filaments provide structure and support for the cytoplasm and also supply the force in which cells can move material around the cell body. The filaments are also responsible for changing the cell shape by constantly breaking down and rebuilding at an extremely rapid pace and acting like a scaffold. The actin filaments are about 7nm in diameter and are a two stranded helix structure. They are usually anchored to the surface of the cell where they provide a grip for the myosin to move the cell around.

Video of the surface of the cell shows cytoplasmic streaming. The pyrenoids and chloroplasts can be seen in this photograph.