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
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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.
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Plasma membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasma%20membrane. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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