cell membrane

[ sel mem-breyn ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the semipermeable membrane enclosing the cytoplasm of a cell.

cell membrane

noun

1. a very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell Also calledplasmalemmaplasma membrane

cell membrane

1. The thin membrane that forms the outer surface of the protoplasm of a cell and regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell. It is made up of proteins and lipids and often contains molecular receptors. The membranes of organelles within the cell are made of the same basic material as the cell membrane. In plant cells, the cell membrane is surrounded by a rigid cell wall.
2. Also called plasma membrane
3. Compare cell wallSee more at cell

cell membrane

1. The structure separating an animal cell from its environment or a plant cell from its cell wall . The cell membrane is a complex system that allows nutrients to enter the cell and waste products to leave, usually through osmosis .

Word History and Origins

Origin of cell membrane¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Learning from water bears could also help humans with "knowledge of preserving/restoring cell membranes" and thereby "help prolong the shelf-life of medications such as antibiotics so they could save human lives."

From Salon

Therefore, special transport proteins exist in the cell membranes, acting as specific "gates" to let phosphate into cells.

From Salon

However, the researchers used a new nanotechnology technique to package it into tiny particles called nanomicelles, which are attracted to cancer cell membranes, and break down easily, boosting absorption.

From Science Daily

Having a diet high in fat and cholesterol can cause changes in cell membranes that alter the release of neurotransmitters, too.

From Science Daily

They showed that the previously accepted idea that azoles kill the pathogen cell by causing perforation of the outer cell membrane does not apply.

From Science Daily