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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
One group causes a general toxicity to cells, enabled by disruption of the cell membrane, while a different subset has the ability to block the receptor for a neurotransmitter.
—
Ars Technica, 15 Jan. 2025
These receptors, embedded in the cell membranes of nasal epithelium in vertebrates, detect specific molecules in the environment.
—
Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
But because these techniques destroy cell membranes, they can’t be applied to living animals.
—
Bysara Reardon, science.org, 5 Sep. 2024
These types of products also need to meet certain international standards and be tested for sterility, biocompatibility, and endotoxins (substances found in the cell membranes of infection-causing bacteria).
—
Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025
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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 10 Feb. 2025.
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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