Cell-Free Synthesis (IMAGE) Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Caption Diagram of the in vitro synthesis of a membrane protein and its subsequent insertion into an artificial membrane. The artificial membrane consists of two lipid layers and its structure resembles that of a cell membrane. In the (simplified) diagram, the ribosomes of the cell-free extract insert the assembled amino acid chains directly into the artificial membrane, just as they would insert them into a natural cell membrane in a real cell. Credit Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.