cell membrane
noun
plural cell membranes
: a membrane of a cell
especially
: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins : plasma membrane
Despite being much maligned in the popular press, cholesterol plays a crucial role in organizing cell membranes and controlling their physical properties. —
Amanda Yarnell
Amanda Yarnell … a cascade of reactions culminating in the transfer of a phosphate group to a protein complex that carries ions across the cell membrane. —Science News
Science News Examples of cell membrane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Think of vitamin E as a shield for your cells, especially the fats in cell membranes, helping to keep your skin, blood vessels, nerves, and immune system functioning well.
—Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Molecules in the water docked onto proteins on a bacterium’s cell membrane, triggering internal signals that urged the organism toward or away from increasing concentrations of the chemical.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
These fatty acids are essential for cell membranes, particularly in the brain, and hunter-gatherers obtained them easily from meat and seafood.
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
In terms of the mechanism of fungicidal action, through protein analysis, the researchers were able to ascertain that CBD and CBDV disrupted cell membranes and metabolism.
—Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
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Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Molecules in the water docked onto proteins on a bacterium’s cell membrane, triggering internal signals that urged the organism toward or away from increasing concentrations of the chemical.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
These fatty acids are essential for cell membranes, particularly in the brain, and hunter-gatherers obtained them easily from meat and seafood.
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
In terms of the mechanism of fungicidal action, through protein analysis, the researchers were able to ascertain that CBD and CBDV disrupted cell membranes and metabolism.
—Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cell membrane
Cite this Entry
“Cell membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20membrane. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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