Cells live longer than their internal components. To keep their cytoplasm clear of excess or damaged organelles, as well as invading pathogens, or to feed themselves in time of nutrient deprivation, cells degrade these unwanted or potentially harmful structures. Known as autophagy, this catabolic process involves the selection and the sequestration of the targeted structures into unique transport vesicles called autophagosomes, which then deliver the contents to lysosomes where they are degraded. Despite significant advances over the last 20 years in the understanding of how this process works and what purposes it serves, there is a lingering question—how are autophagosomes formed? Intrinsic to the question of the autophagosome’s origin is the source of the lipids required to build the double-membrane vesicle and the way this supply is delivered. Read the full article here: The Enigmatic Membrane.

Project: Concept, photo manipulatation and design of related cover; design and layout of article; sketch concept for article opener illustration/create accurate sketches for inside graphics; commission and art direct opener and infographics. (Final illustrations by Peter and Maria Hoey.) 
Client: The Scientist