cell membrane

noun

plural cell membranes
: a membrane of a cell
especially : a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins : plasma membrane
Despite being much maligned in the popular press, cholesterol plays a crucial role in organizing cell membranes and controlling their physical properties. Amanda Yarnell
… a cascade of reactions culminating in the transfer of a phosphate group to a protein complex that carries ions across the cell membrane. Science News

Examples of cell membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, the main components of most cell membranes are complex, hefty molecules called phospholipids. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024 And sometimes a cell membrane pinches off to release chemicals into the environment and then fuses back together again. Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 20 Oct. 2024 For instance, phospholipids in modern cell membranes align themselves in a double layer. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024 Life is composed of three distinct cell types: bacteria and archaea, which are both prokaryotic cells with some key differences — for example in their cell membranes and reproductive strategies — and then there are eukaryotes, which are a much different kind of cell. Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cell membrane 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cell membrane was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near cell membrane

Cite this Entry

“Cell membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20membrane. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cell membrane

noun
: a semipermeable outside layer surrounding the contents of a cell

Medical Definition

cell membrane

noun
: a membrane of a cell
especially : plasma membrane
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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