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Glite Dictionary
cytomembrane

cytomembrane

8.7
A thin cover of two layers around a cell that controls what goes in and out
  • noun
  • /ˌsaɪtəʊˈmɛmˌbreɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : citosoma
  • The cytomembrane plays a crucial role in regulating what enters and leaves the cell.

Examples

  • Researchers studied how certain drugs interact with the cytomembrane of human cells.

  • The cytomembrane regulates what enters and exits the cell.

  • Damage to the cytomembrane can disrupt vital cellular processes.

  • In plant cells, the cytomembrane is crucial for maintaining structure.

  • The cytomembrane controls the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of the cell.

  • Damage to the cytomembrane can lead to cell death and dysfunction.

  • The structure of the cytomembrane allows it to selectively permit certain substances to pass.

Synonyms

cell membrane
vscytomembrane
  • Specialized
4 3.6

A thin flexible outer layer around a cell that controls what enters and leaves

emphasizes a double lipid layer around the cytoplasm rather than a simple outer layer
plasma membrane
vscytomembrane
  • Specialized
1 4.5

A thin flexible layer around a cell that controls what enters and leaves it

means the same concept but is an alternative less technical term

Surface Forms

cytomembrane singular
cytomembranes plural

Morphology

cytomembrane = membrane (semi-transparent) = cyto + membrane

Formed from the combining form 'cyto-' (cell) + 'membrane'; clear to those with biology knowledge but the combining form 'cyto-' is not obvious to general B1 learners.

Etymology

Cytomembrane comes from cyto- meaning 'cell' and membrane meaning 'a thin skin'. So a cytomembrane is like the cell's thin skin that controls what goes 'in and out'.