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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
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
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