CELL SURFACE Meaning and
Definition
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Cell surface refers to the outermost layer of a cell that separates the internal components of the cell from the external environment. It is the boundary that defines the cell and allows it to interact with its surroundings. The cell surface is made up of a complex structure called the plasma membrane, which is primarily composed of a double layer of phospholipids.
The cell surface is a dynamic structure that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It serves as a protective barrier, regulating the movement of substances into and out of the cell. Additionally, it provides structural support to the cell and helps maintain its shape. The cell surface also contains numerous proteins that are responsible for various functions such as signaling, cell recognition, and adhesion.
The outer surface of the plasma membrane often contains specialized structures or appendages, such as microvilli, cilia, or flagella, which aid in various cellular processes like absorption, movement, and sensing the environment. These structures greatly increase the surface area of the cell, facilitating efficient exchange of materials or information.
The cell surface can vary in composition and structure depending on the type of cell and its specific functions. For example, epithelial cells lining the digestive tract may have microvilli on their cell surface to increase absorption, whereas sperm cells possess flagella for locomotion. The diversity of the cell surface allows cells to perform a wide range of functions and adapt to their specific roles within the organism.
Common Misspellings for CELL SURFACE
- xell surface
- vell surface
- fell surface
- dell surface
- cwll surface
- csll surface
- cdll surface
- crll surface
- c4ll surface
- c3ll surface
- cekl surface
- cepl surface
- ceol surface
- celk surface
- celp surface
- celo surface
- cell aurface
- cell zurface
- cell xurface
- cell durface
Etymology of CELL SURFACE
The etymology of the word "cell surface" can be examined by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
1. "Cell": This word originated from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "chamber". It was first used in English during the early 17th century to describe biological compartments or units, typically referring to the basic building blocks of living organisms.
2. "Surface": This word is derived from the Latin word "superficies", which means "outer face" or "the topmost layer". In English, "surface" is used to describe the outermost layer or boundary of an object or organism.
When combined, "cell surface" refers to the outer layer or boundary of a cell. It signifies the semi-permeable barrier that separates the internal contents of a cell from its external environment.
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