cell membrane

USAGE SUMMARY

"cell membrane" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the thin, flexible barrier that surrounds and protects the contents of a cell. Example: The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer and serves as a selective barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thinking about the cell membrane.

Cornell University

It is an integral part of every cell membrane.

The New York Times

Researchers use a detergent to remove the cell membrane.

MIT Technology Review

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. …cellular phenomenon, dependent on the cell membrane.

Britannica

Cholesterol, an important lipid, comprises the structure of cell membrane.

Nature

Yeagle, P. L. Cholesterol and the cell membrane.

Nature

The assumption was that it somehow leaked through the cell membrane.

The New York Times - Science

He proposed what he thought to be a more appealing analogy: the cell membrane blows up.

The New Yorker

To test whether cell membrane scrambling was paralleled by loss of cell membrane integrity, release of hemoglobin was determined.

Nature

Plasmodesmata are lined with cell membrane, in effect uniting all connected cells with one continuous cell membrane.

Britannica

But if life started inside a cell membrane, how did the necessary nutrients get in?

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "cell membrane", specify its function in the context of your writing. For instance, mention its role in transport, signaling, or protection to add clarity and depth.

Common error

Avoid describing the "cell membrane" solely as a barrier. It's also involved in complex processes like cell signaling and communication. Be sure to reflect this multifaceted nature in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cell membrane" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a key structural component of cells.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

21%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cell membrane" is a very common noun phrase used to describe the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its primary function is descriptive and informative, and it appears most often in scientific, news, and academic contexts. Alternative phrases include "plasma membrane" and "cytoplasmic membrane". When using the phrase, remember that while the "cell membrane" acts as a barrier, it also facilitates processes like cell signaling and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plasma membrane

Refers to the same structure but is a more technical term.

cytoplasmic membrane

Emphasizes the membrane's location surrounding the cytoplasm.

cellular membrane

A more general term that highlights the membrane's cellular origin.

membrane of the cell

A rephrasing that changes the word order for similar meaning.

outer cell layer

Focuses on the membrane as the outermost boundary of the cell.

cell's surface membrane

Specifies that the membrane is on the surface of the cell.

lipid bilayer

Highlights the primary structural component of the cell membrane.

phospholipid membrane

Another way to highlight the structural component.

limiting membrane

Describes the cell membrane's function as a boundary.

protoplasmic membrane

An older term for the cell membrane.

FAQs

How to use "cell membrane" in a sentence?

The "cell membrane" is crucial for regulating the transport of substances into and out of the cell.

What can I say instead of "cell membrane"?

You can use alternatives like "plasma membrane" or "cytoplasmic membrane", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cell membrane" or "cellular membrane"?

"Cell membrane" is more common and specific, while "cellular membrane" is a more general term referring to any membrane associated with a cell.

What is the main function of the "cell membrane"?

The primary function of the "cell membrane" is to protect the cell from its surroundings, regulate the movement of substances in and out, and facilitate cell communication.