Argosomes: membrane fragments on the run

Any biology student will know that the plasma membrane separates the inside of a cell from the outside world. Indeed, the plasma membrane is the guardian of a cell's physiology. Fewer students will be aware that cells can export bits of plasma membrane to distant sites in a tissue. Recent work demonstrates the transfer of membrane fragments in a live epithelium and, importantly, suggests that these fragments might be used as a vehicle to transport morphogens in a developing tissue.