illustration (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Working model for MIEL1 function at peroxisomes. MIEL1 localizes at peroxisomes and is necessary for removing oleosin ⎯ the protein that coats lipid droplets ⎯ during Arabidopsis thaliana seedling germination. MIEL1 signals the breakdown of oleosin (green), allowing fats stored in lipid droplets to be transferred to peroxisomes, where they are metabolized to fuel seedling growth. Credit (Credit: Melissa Traver and Bonnie Bartel/Rice University) Usage Restrictions Must credit Melissa Traver and Bonnie Bartel/Rice University. License Original 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.