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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 .


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Word History and Origins

Origin of cell membrane1

First recorded in 1865–70

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Example Sentences

No breathing organs are seen, because osmosis of oxygen and carbon dioxide may take place anywhere through the cell membrane.

Meanwhile great advances had been made also in the knowledge of the mature framework of cell-membrane in plants.

They consist of a minute droplet of protoplasm (mycroprotein) surrounded by a delicate cell membrane.

The outer covering, or cell membrane, of the globular egg remains undivided.

We may also obtain cells with cytoplasm filling the whole of the cellular cavity or separated from the cell-membrane.

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