Liquid Phase Organelles in Living Cells

The contents of cells are not uniformly distributed, but highly compartmentalized into various organelles. Recent findings show that in addition to membrane-bound organelles, cells contain numerous membrane-less assemblies, termed biomolecular condensates. Phase separation of biomolecules is thought to drive the formation of biomolecular condensates. In this article, we describe how the physicochemical properties of living matter endow cells with the ability for compartmentalization and then further discuss major topics in this field where the biophysical point of view can make difference.