How Do You Spell TRANSMEMBRANE?

Pronunciation: [tɹansmˈɛmbɹe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "transmembrane" is spelled as /trænzˈmɛmbreɪn/. It is composed of the prefix "trans-", meaning across or beyond, and "membrane", meaning a thin layer that separates two environments. The first syllable is pronounced with the American English short "a" sound, as in "trap", while the stress falls on the second syllable. The final "e" in "membrane" is silent, and the word ends with the syllable "-brayn", pronounced with an "ey" sound like in "hey" and the diphthong "-ayn".

TRANSMEMBRANE Meaning and Definition

1. Transmembrane refers to a molecular feature that spans across a biological membrane, which could be found in various living organisms. The term is often used in the field of biology, particularly in the study of cell biology and biochemistry, to describe proteins, molecules, or domains that traverse through or across the lipid bilayer of a cellular membrane.

   The transmembrane region of a protein or molecule is characterized by a hydrophobic core that interacts with the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer, enabling it to integrate into the membrane itself. This allows the protein or molecule to have a presence on both sides of the membrane, contributing to its functionality.

   Transmembrane proteins play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, transport of molecules across the membrane, and cell adhesion. They exhibit a diverse range of functions, such as acting as ion channels, receptors, and transporters.

   The transmembrane domain is typically composed of alpha-helices or beta-barrels, which are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions within the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. This structure allows the transmembrane protein to maintain stability within the membrane environment.

   Overall, the term "transmembrane" refers to the ability of certain proteins or molecules to span through a lipid bilayer, aiding in their integration and functioning within cellular membranes.

Common Misspellings for TRANSMEMBRANE

• transmembran
• transmembram

Etymology of TRANSMEMBRANE

The word "transmembrane" is derived from combining two separate components: "trans" and "membrane".

1. "Trans-": The prefix "trans-" is borrowed from Latin and means "across" or "through". It serves as a combining form in various scientific terms, indicating movement or position across or through something.

2. "Membrane": The term "membrane" traces back to the Latin word "membrana", which refers to a thin, pliable layer or a film-like structure. It is used in biology and other fields to describe a selectively permeable barrier that separates two fluid compartments or cellular compartments in living organisms.

When combined, the two components "trans-" and "membrane" form the word "transmembrane", which refers to something that spans or traverses a membrane. In biology, it is specifically used to describe proteins or molecules that penetrate or cross through biological membranes.