function as a cell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a cell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing biological functions, metaphorical uses in systems, or organizational structures. Example: "In this model, each unit is designed to function as a cell within a larger organism, contributing to the overall system's health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Our results help to elucidate the mechanisms by which MSCs function as a cell therapy agent in peripheral nerve repair.

Brain Research

These findings identify a signaling molecule other than mpl that can function as a cell growth switch in vivo and demonstrate that signaling molecules used for in vivo selection need not be confined to receptors.

Molecular Therapy

In order to see the effect of AgNPs on cell viability, we used mitochondria function as a cell viability marker in A549 human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma.

Nanoscale Research Letters

G1P3 (IFI-16-6) may function as a cell survival protein by inhibiting mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis through the inhibition of caspase 3 activity [33].

Plosone

BA5427 is homologous to B. subtilis lytE, and LytE (also referred to as CwlF) has been shown to function as a cell wall lysin that affects bacterial cell separation in B. subtilis [35].

Plosone

In this sense, the γ-irradiation of FBS was deemed to accomplish a thorough sterilization or eradication of all existing and hidden NB activity inherent in the FBS while allowing the same irradiated serum to function as a cell feeder when added to tissue homogenates or fluids harboring the presumptive NB.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

We propose that periodic transcription is an emergent property of a transcription factor network that can function as a cell-cycle oscillator independently of, and in tandem with, the CDK oscillator.

Duke University

The superior performance of hNPCctx-GDNF is consistent with both the known role of GDNF as a neuroprotective molecule within the retina [25] [30] and the established ability of hNPCctx to function as a cell-based drug delivery vector in diverse CNS tissues [11], [12].

Plosone

In addition to its function as a cell-cycle regulator, a role in apoptosis has been attributed to p21.

Cell Death and Disease

The 50MGP protein has predicted function as a cell-envelope enzyme with lyase and/or ligase activity.

BMC Genomics

Since secreted Scr3 can be taken up by HeLa cells, it may have a potential to function as a cell-to-cell communication molecule.

Bioscience Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a component within a larger system, use "function as a cell" to emphasize its autonomous or fundamental role. This highlights its capacity to independently perform essential tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a cell" when you actually want to describe its structure. The phrase relates to what it does, not what it is. For structural descriptions, consider alternatives like "organized like a cell" or "structured as a cellular unit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a cell" primarily operates as a verb phrase. It describes the role or activity that an entity performs, emphasizing its capacity to operate autonomously or as a fundamental unit within a larger system. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "function as a cell" is grammatically sound and commonly employed, particularly within scientific contexts, to describe how a component operates autonomously within a larger system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression. While alternatives like "operate as a cell" or "serve as a cell" exist, the original phrase remains the standard. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the operational role and not the structural aspects of the entity in question. The phrase appears mostly in the science category.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate as a cell

Replaces "function" with "operate", implying a mode of action or activity similar to a cell.

work as a cell

Substitutes "function" with "work", focusing on the active role or performance of a cell.

serve as a cell

Replaces "function" with "serve", highlighting the role or purpose that something fulfills like a cell.

act as a cell

Uses "act" instead of "function", emphasizing the behavior or conduct resembling that of a cell.

behave like a cell

Focuses on the manner of acting similar to a cell, using "behave" instead of "function".

perform as a cell

Highlights the execution of cellular duties or actions, replacing "function" with "perform".

fulfil the role of a cell

Emphasizes completing or meeting the expected duties of a cell, using a more descriptive structure.

play the part of a cell

Indicates participation in a role equivalent to that of a cell, using idiomatic language.

have the function of a cell

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize possession of a cellular function, rather than the act of functioning.

exhibit cellular function

Focuses on displaying or showing the characteristics of a cellular function.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "function as a cell" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "operate as a cell", "serve as a cell", or "fulfil the role of a cell".

Is it correct to say "works as a cell" instead of "function as a cell"?

While "works as a cell" is understandable, "function as a cell" is more commonly used and grammatically standard, especially in scientific writing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "function as a cell"?

The phrase "function as a cell" is appropriate when describing a component's ability to perform essential, autonomous tasks within a larger system, similar to how a cell operates within an organism.

What is the difference between "act as a cell" and "function as a cell"?

"Act as a cell" emphasizes behavior or conduct resembling a cell, while "function as a cell" highlights the performance of specific duties or roles similar to those of a cell. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing behavior or operational role.