BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Cargo Nets
21 September 2012

Cargo Nets

Like intestines in our bodies, cells have a network of pipes and tubes through which stuff is continuously passing, and from which small sausage-like entities can pinch off. These sausage-like vesicles carry molecules between factory-like compartments and to the cell’s surface. The oily skin, or membrane, and proteins surrounding the vesicles are important for maintaining their shape. Until recently little was known about the coat proteins because it is difficult to examine their structure. Pictured is a 3D computer model of a flash-frozen vesicle from a series of snapshots taken with a scanning electron microscope. False colours make the structures clearer and show for the first time the coat proteins (green, red and blue) form a net around the membrane (yellow). The model suggests the formation of coat proteins can adapt to cargoes of different sizes.

Written by Julie Webb

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.