In living organisms, the membrane that encloses the cells is incredibly delicate and flexible. Many biological activities depend on how it repairs and protects itself from harm, yet this process is still poorly understood. Researchers at Forschungszentrum Julich have now used cryo-electron microscopy to uncover intriguing new information. Known from the photosynthetic system of plants, algae, and bacteria, the membrane protein Vipp1 may generate a variety of structures that may be used as instruments to reinforce and strengthen the cell membrane when needed.