subcellular

[ suhb-sel-yuh-ler ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. contained within a cell.
2. at a level of organization lower than the cellular.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcellular¹

First recorded in 1945–50; sub- + cellular

Example Sentences

Soft X-rays are able to provide chemical information about samples and detailed images at the subcellular level, but their use has been limited due to the very specialized equipment required and, in biology, the damage they cause to living cells.

From Science Daily

But the scientists wanted to make sure that the CB5D protein from an ancient species, like liverwort, was expressed in the same subcellular structures as modern CB5D.

From Science Daily

The group found that a subcellular structure called actomyosin drives much of the development process, especially the lower wing disc flattening.

From Science Daily

"The quality of preservation of the fossil frog skin is amazing -- even subcellular structures, such as collagen fibres, are preserved." said study lead, PhD researcher Daniel Falk.

From Science Daily

Subcellular details such as texture can help researchers answer important questions, like if a cell is cancerous or not.

From Science Daily