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cell membrane
cell membrane (plasmalemma, plasma membrane) The sheet-like membrane, 7.5–10 nm thick, that encloses and delimits the contents of a cell. It is a living structure consisting of lipid molecules forming a fluid bi-layer and associated protein. Water molecules can pass freely through this structure, but the passage of most other molecules can be controlled (i.e. it is selectively permeable). The cell membrane may also have other functions, as in prokaryotic cells, where it is associated with oxidative metabolism and cell division.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-cellmembrane.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-cellmembrane.html |
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cell membrane
cell membrane (plasmalemma, plasma membrane, protoplast) A sheet-like membrane, 7.5–10 nm thick, that forms a selectively permeable barrier enclosing and delimiting the protoplasm of a cell. It is a living structure consisting of lipid molecules in a fluid bi-layer, and associated protein. Water molecules can pass freely through this structure, but the passage of most other molecules can be controlled. It may also have other functions, as in prokaryotic cells, where it is associated with oxidative metabolism and cell division.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cellmembrane.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cellmembrane.html |
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cell membrane
cell membrane Any membrane that is found in a living cell, especially the plasma membrane, which forms the cell boundary. Other cell membranes include the nuclear envelope; the tonoplast, which encloses the vacuole of plant cells; and the membranes of the various cell organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and lysosomes.
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Cite this article
"cell membrane." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cellmembrane.html "cell membrane." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cellmembrane.html |
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