Ever since technologies enabled the characterization of eukaryotic plasma membranes,
heterogeneities in the distributions of its constituents were observed. Over the years this
led to the proposal of various models describing the plasma membrane organization
such as lipid shells, picket-and-fences, lipid rafts, or protein islands, as addressed in
numerous publications and reviews. Instead of emphasizing on one model we in this
review give a brief overview over current models and highlight how current experimental
work in one or the other way do not support the existence of a single overarching model.
Instead, we highlight the vast variety of membrane properties and components, their
influences and impacts. We believe that highlighting such controversial discoveries will
stimulate unbiased research on plasma membrane organization and functionality, leading
to a better understanding of this essential cellular structure.