Cell Biology Vocabulary

noun a thin, pliable sheet or layer of tissue that covers or lines a part of the body, forms the boundaries of organs, and serves to protect or enclose them

• The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell.
• The membrane around the cell is like a protective bubble.
• The cell's membrane is like its own little shield.
• The membrane acts as a gatekeeper, allowing only certain substances to pass through.

noun the property of having two opposite extremes or tendencies

adjective relating to the presence or manifestation of two opposite extremes or tendencies

• The polarity of the molecule can be determined by analyzing its chemical structure.
• I'm not sure about the polarity of this compound, do you know how to figure it out?
• I have no idea about the polarity of this stuff, it's all Greek to me.
• The polarity between the two political parties is becoming more and more evident.

noun the quality or state of being rigid; stiffness or inflexibility

adjective rigid; stiff; inflexible

• The rigidity of the steel beam allowed it to support the weight of the entire structure.
• His rigidity in following the rules sometimes makes him seem uptight.
• Don't be so rigid about it, let's just go with the flow.
• Her rigidity in beliefs prevented her from seeing other perspectives.

adjective relating to or consisting of epithelial cells, which are cells forming the outer layer of the skin and the surface layer of mucous and serous membranes

• The epithelial cells form a protective barrier in the lining of the intestines.
• The doctor said I have some issue with my epithelial cells in my skin.
• I heard that using that new skincare product can help with your epithelial layer.
• Her words acted as an epithelial layer, shielding me from the harsh reality.

noun the process of removing moisture from something, typically food or plant material, in order to preserve it

• Desiccation is the process of removing moisture from something.
• Leaving your phone out in the sun can cause desiccation of the battery.
• If you don't water your plants, they'll suffer from desiccation.
• The desert landscape was a metaphor for the desiccation of their relationship.

noun a type of cell in the central nervous system that provides support and protection for neurons

• Glial cells are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons in the central nervous system.
• Did you know that glial cells are like the bodyguards for neurons in the brain?
• Those glial cells are the real MVPs, always looking out for the neurons.
• In the intricate network of the brain, glial cells act as the silent guardians, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

noun a specialized layer of cells that forms at the base of a leaf or fruit stem, leading to the detachment of the leaf or fruit from the plant

• The abscission zone is the area in a plant where a leaf or fruit is separated from the rest of the plant.
• When the leaf falls off the tree, it's because of the abscission zone.
• The abscission zone is like the plant's way of saying 'I don't need you anymore'.
• Just like how the abscission zone lets go of the leaf, sometimes we need to let go of things in our lives that no longer serve us.

noun Acrasida refers to a group of cellular slime molds that are classified as protists.

• Acrasida are unicellular organisms that belong to the group of protists.
• Have you heard of acrasida? They're tiny organisms that live in soil and water.
• Those acrasida critters are so small, you can barely see them!
• The acrasida in the pond seemed to dance and swirl in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sight.

noun a combining form representing actinide in compound words

• Actinio- is a prefix used in chemistry to indicate a relationship to actinium.
• I heard that actinio- is related to something in chemistry, but I'm not sure what exactly.
• Yo, did you know that actinio- is like the cool kid in the chemistry world?
• The actinio- prefix is like the secret code for all things actinium-related in chemistry.