Biomolecular condensates: organizers of cellular biochemistry

Key Points In addition to canonical membrane-bound organelles, eukaryotic cells contain numerous membraneless compartments, or biomolecular condensates, that concentrate specific collections of proteins and nucleic acids. Biomolecular condensates behave as phase-separated liquids and are enriched in multivalent molecules. Theoretical concepts from polymer and physical chemistry regarding the behaviour of multivalent molecules provide a mechanistic framework that can explain a wide range of cellular behaviours exhibited by biomolecular condensates, including plausible mechanisms by which their assembly, composition, and biochemical and cellular functions can be regulated.