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.
To accomplish this, experts first create extremely tiny holes only a few nanometers wide in the bacteria’s cell membrane. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2024 The reason is that simulating the brain on a conventional computer requires billions of differential equations coupled together to describe the dynamics of cells and networks: analog processes like the movement of charges across a cell membrane. IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2017 It was known that lipids are sensitive to pressure, so cell membranes were a prime target for investigation. Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 20 Oct. 2024 Choline is a nutrient that supports important functions in the body, like facilitating a healthy metabolism and building cell membranes. Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Dec. 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 8 Jan. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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