| cell membrane n. The semipermeable membrane that encloses the cytoplasm of a cell. Also called cytomembrane, plasmalemma, plasma membrane. |
cell membrane
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell Also called plasmalemma plasma membrane
| cell membrane The thin membrane that forms the outer surface of the protoplasm of a cell and regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell. It is made up of proteins and lipids and often contains molecular receptors. The membranes of organelles within the cell are made of the same basic material as the cell membrane. In plant cells, the cell membrane is surrounded by a rigid cell wall. Also called plasma membrane. Compare cell wall. See more at cell. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  cell membrane - a thin membrane (a double layer of lipids) enclosing the cytoplasm of a cell; proteins in the membrane control passage of ions (like sodium or potassium or calcium) in and out of the cell; "all cells have a cell membrane"cell - (biology) the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; they may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals semipermeable membrane - a membrane (as a cell membrane) that allows some molecules to pass through but not others |
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