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.