CELL MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a fundamental component of all living cells. It is a thin, flexible, and selectively-permeable barrier that encloses the cell, providing it structure and separating it from the external environment. This semi-permeable membrane is primarily composed of lipids, such as phospholipids and cholesterol, which form a bilayer-like structure, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
The cell membrane plays a vital role in maintaining the internal environment of the cell, allowing for the regulation of substances that enter and exit the cell. It acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the passage of various molecules and ions through its channels and transport proteins. Small, non-polar molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, can readily diffuse across the membrane, while larger or charged molecules require specialized transport mechanisms.
In addition to its selective barrier function, the cell membrane is also involved in cell signaling and communication. It contains receptor proteins that can recognize specific signaling molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, and transmit these signals into the cell, initiating various cellular responses. Moreover, the cell membrane is crucial for cell adhesion and facilitates interactions with neighboring cells or the extracellular matrix.
Overall, the cell membrane serves as a dynamic boundary that enables cells to maintain their internal integrity, communicate with their surroundings, and regulate the exchange of substances, ensuring the proper functioning of cells and ultimately the organism as a whole.
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The layer of condensed protoplasm serving as the enveloping capsule of a cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CELL MEMBRANE
- xell membrane
- vell membrane
- fell membrane
- dell membrane
- cwll membrane
- csll membrane
- cdll membrane
- crll membrane
- c4ll membrane
- c3ll membrane
- cekl membrane
- cepl membrane
- ceol membrane
- celk membrane
- celp membrane
- celo membrane
- cell nembrane
- cell kembrane
- cell jembrane
- cellmembrane
Etymology of CELL MEMBRANE
The word "cell membrane" is used in biology to refer to the protective outer layer that surrounds the cell. The etymology of the word is as follows:
- "Cell" is derived from the Latin word "cella" meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was first used by the English scientist Robert Hooke in 1665 to describe the compartments he observed when observing cork cells through a microscope.
- "Membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrana" meaning "parchment" or "skin". In the context of the cell, it refers to a thin, flexible layer that encloses and separates the cell's contents from the external environment.
So, the term "cell membrane" essentially means the boundary or skin-like layer that surrounds and separates the contents of a cell from its surroundings.
Similar spelling words for CELL MEMBRANE
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