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Review
. 2014:30:39-58.
doi: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100913-013325.

Liquid-liquid phase separation in biology

Anthony A Hyman  1 , Christoph A Weber, Frank Jülicher
Affiliations
Review

Liquid-liquid phase separation in biology

Anthony A Hyman et al. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2014.

Abstract

Cells organize many of their biochemical reactions in non-membrane compartments. Recent evidence has shown that many of these compartments are liquids that form by phase separation from the cytoplasm. Here we discuss the basic physical concepts necessary to understand the consequences of liquid-like states for biological functions.

Keywords: P granules; biological liquids; chemical potential; origin of life; phase separation.

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