Figure 1.

Membrane fusion mechanism. The process of membrane fusion, which is a crucial cellular mechanism involved in various biological processes, is divided into four distinct stages, each representing a key step in the fusion process. At the initial stage, two separate lipid bilayers are shown in close proximity to each other. The membranes are depicted as curved structures with different colors, highlighting their distinct identities. For membrane docking and recognition, the two opposing membranes undergo a series of molecular interactions to facilitate fusion. Proteins and other molecules aid in the recognition of specific fusion partners and ensure proper alignment of the membranes. The final stage showcases the actual fusion event between the membranes. The lipid bilayers seamlessly merge, resulting in the formation of a single continuous membrane structure. This fusion process enables the mixing of cellular contents and facilitates the exchange of molecules between the previously separate compartments. Created with BioRender.