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Droplets in motion
21 Mar 2023
LMU physicists investigate the dynamics of active protein droplets in cells.
21 Mar 2023
LMU physicists investigate the dynamics of active protein droplets in cells.
The phase separation of oil and water is a classic example of a process ubiquitous in nature, in which mixtures separate into their constituent parts. Scientists have also repeatedly identified biomolecular droplets in cells that originate from the phase-separation of proteins and nucleic acids. These droplets play various vital roles in cells where, for example, they create a local environment for chemical reactions, and are responsible for the midcell localization of proteins during cell division.