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The Daily Insight

What is the dictionary definition of cell?

Author

James Stevens

Updated on April 27, 2026

cell. [ sĕl ] n. The smallest structural unit of an organism that is capable of independent functioning, consisting of one or more nuclei, cytoplasm, and various organelles, all surrounded by a semipermeable cell membrane. A small enclosed cavity or space.

What is membrane in simple words?

Definition of membrane 1 : a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin. 2 : a piece of parchment forming part of a roll. Other Words from membrane Example Sentences Learn More About membrane.

What is the dictionary definition of cell wall?

cell wall. noun. the outer layer of a cell, esp the structure in plant cells that consists of cellulose, lignin, etc, and gives mechanical support to the cell.

What is a cell membrane in Kid definition?

Kids Definition of cell membrane : the thin outside layer that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell.

What is the best definition of a cell?

What is a cell? A cell is a mass of cytoplasm that is bound externally by a cell membrane. Usually microscopic in size, cells are the smallest structural units of living matter and compose all living things. Most cells have one or more nuclei and other organelles that carry out a variety of tasks.

What is a cell wall and cell membrane?

The cell wall is the outermost layer in a plant cell. It provides structural support and rigidity for the plant body. 2. Unlike the cell wall, the cell membrane is present in all living organisms, including plants. The main role of the cell membrane is to provide protection to the cell from its surroundings.

What is example of cell membrane?

The cell membrane is a membrane that surrounds the cell and separates it from the outside environment. In animals, this membrane is the outermost covering of the cell whereas in plants, fungi, and some bacteria it is located beneath the cell wall.

Why does a cell need a cell membrane?

The cell membrane is a biological membrane that encloses a cell and separates its content from the extracellular environment. Its main function is the protection of cells. However, it is selectively permeable to ions and small molecules so another function of the cell membrane is the regulation of movements of substances in and out of cells.

What are the four functions of the cell membrane?

Transport of molecules and ions in and out of the cell

  • Communication between neighboring cells
  • Signal receptor
  • Secretion
  • What best describes a cell membrane?

    1. Cell membranes are based on lipid bilayer. Plasma membranes consist of a lipid bilayer with proteins embedded in the bilayer. The principle lipids are phospholipids . A phospholipid molecules has a hydrophilic head with a phosphate group as part of its structure and two hydrophobic tails.

    What part of the cell membrane identifies the cell?

    Each cell has a part called a cell membrane; a thin covering around the cell. The cell membrane separates the inside parts of the cell from the outside environment, gives the cell its shape, and controls what goes into and out of it. Located inside a cell is the cytoplasm.