PLASMA MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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The plasma membrane is a vital component of cells in living organisms, serving as a boundary or barrier between the cell and its external environment. Also known as the cell membrane, it is a selective barrier that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, consisting of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These phospholipids have a hydrophilic head that faces the watery extracellular and intracellular environments, while their hydrophobic tails are sandwiched between the two layers, forming a semi-permeable membrane.
Embedded within this phospholipid bilayer are various proteins and cholesterol molecules, which contribute to the structure and function of the plasma membrane. These proteins include transport proteins that facilitate the movement of ions, nutrients, and other substances across the membrane, receptor proteins that allow the cell to respond to signals or molecules in its environment, and enzymes that catalyze essential cellular reactions.
The plasma membrane is responsible for various vital functions, including maintaining cell shape and integrity, protecting the cell from its surroundings, and controlling the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It plays a crucial role in processes such as osmosis, diffusion, active transport, and cell signaling.
In summary, the plasma membrane is a dynamic and essential component of cells, serving as a barrier that regulates the movement of substances and maintains the integrity of the cell.
Common Misspellings for PLASMA MEMBRANE
- olasma membrane
- llasma membrane
- -lasma membrane
- 0lasma membrane
- pkasma membrane
- ppasma membrane
- poasma membrane
- plzsma membrane
- plssma membrane
- plwsma membrane
- plqsma membrane
- plaama membrane
- plazma membrane
- plaxma membrane
- pladma membrane
- plaema membrane
- plawma membrane
- plasna membrane
- plaska membrane
Etymology of PLASMA MEMBRANE
The word "plasma membrane" is derived from the Greek term "plasma", meaning "something molded", and the Latin word "membrana", meaning "skin" or "covering". "Plasma" refers to the fluid-like nature of the cell membrane, while "membrana" represents its role as a protective barrier enclosing the contents of the cell.
Similar spelling word for PLASMA MEMBRANE
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