Membrane dynamics at the nuclear exchange junction during early mating (one to four hours) in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila.

Using serial-section transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) electron tomography, we characterized membrane dynamics that accompany the construction of a nuclear exchange junction between mating cells in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. Our methods revealed a number of previously unknown features. (i) Membrane fusion is initiated by the extension of hundreds of 50-nm-diameter protrusions from the plasma membrane.