plasma membrane
noun
: a semipermeable limiting layer of cell protoplasm consisting of a fluid phospholipid bilayer with intercalated proteins
called also cell membrane
see cell illustrationExamples of plasma membrane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The function of ion channels is to allow specific inorganic ions – primarily sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), or chloride (Cl-) – to pass in and out of a cell through the plasma membrane.
—
New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024
Upon activation by the caspase-1 protein, gasdermin-D protein assemble to form pores in the plasma membrane of a cell.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 July 2022
Other, typically smaller ones were assembled within the cell before being released through the plasma membrane and became known as exosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024
Upon activation by the caspase-1 protein, gasdermin-D protein assemble to form pores in the plasma membrane of a cell.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 July 2022
Other, typically smaller ones were assembled within the cell before being released through the plasma membrane and became known as exosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2018
Dictionary Entries Near plasma membrane
Cite this Entry
“Plasma membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasma%20membrane. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share