plasma membrane

noun

: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins

called also cell membrane

see cell illustration

Examples of plasma 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.
The function of ion channels is to allow specific inorganic ions – primarily sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), or chloride (Cl-) – to pass in and out of a cell through the plasma membrane. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 Upon activation by the caspase-1 protein, gasdermin-D protein assemble to form pores in the plasma membrane of a cell. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 July 2022 Other, typically smaller ones were assembled within the cell before being released through the plasma membrane and became known as exosomes. Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasma membrane was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near plasma membrane

Cite this Entry

“Plasma membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasma%20membrane. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

plasma membrane

noun

Medical Definition

plasma membrane

noun
: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins

called also cell membrane, plasmalemma

More from Merriam-Webster on plasma membrane

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