Cell-wall
the definite boundary or wall that is part of the outer structure of certain cells, as a plant cell.
Historical Examples
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
cell wall n.
The rigid outermost cell layer found in plants and certain algae, bacteria, and fungi but characteristically absent from animal cells.
cell wall
The outermost layer of cells in plants, bacteria, fungi, and many algae that gives shape to the cell and protects it from infection. In plants, the cell wall is made up mostly of cellulose, determines tissue texture, and often is crucial to cell function. Compare cell membrane.
The rigid outer covering of a typical plant cell, composed mainly of cellulose and lying outside the cell membrane. Animal cells do not have cell walls.
Note: It is the cell walls that give plant stems and wood their stiffness.
Read Also:
- Cell yell
noun any excessively loud talking on a cellular telephone Word Origin 1999 Usage Note informal
- Cells
a small room, as in a convent or prison. any of various small compartments or bounded areas forming part of a whole. a small group acting as a unit within a larger organization: a local cell of the Communist party. Biology. a usually microscopic structure containing nuclear and cytoplasmic material enclosed by a semipermeable membrane […]
- Cell-mediated immune response
cell-mediated immune response n. The immune response produced when sensitized T cells attack foreign antigens and secrete lymphokines that initiate the body’s humoral immune response. Also called cell-mediated reaction, cellular immune response. cell-mediated immune response An immune response produced when T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells, that are sensitized to foreign antigens attack and lyse […]
- Cell-transfer therapy
cell-transfer therapy n. A therapeutic technique in which cells from an individual with a disease, usually cancer, are removed and genetically modified to make the cells cytotoxic or to improve their cytotoxic abilities before they are returned to the donor.
- Cell-mediated reaction
cell-mediated reaction n. See cell-mediated immune response.