cell boundary

[sel ˈbaʊndəri]
nounpl: cell boundaries
membrana celular / limite celular / fronteira celular
1. The outer limit or perimeter of a cell, typically referring to the cell membrane that separates the interior of the cell from its external environment
The cell boundary controls what substances enter and exit the cell.
A membrana celular controla quais substâncias entram e saem da célula.
2. In cellular biology, the physical or chemical interface that defines the extent of a single cell
Scientists studied how molecules cross the cell boundary.
Os cientistas estudaram como as moléculas atravessam a membrana celular.
3. In telecommunications and computing, the demarcation line between adjacent cells in a cellular network
The signal strength varies near the cell boundary between towers.
A intensidade do sinal varia perto da fronteira entre as células da rede.
The term 'cell boundary' is primarily used in scientific, academic, and medical contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'membrana celular' is the more technically precise and widely preferred term in formal education and research settings. The concept is fundamental to cellular biology curricula in both nations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cell membraneplasma membranecellular boundarycell perimeter
Antonyms / Antônimos
cell interiorcytoplasm

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
membrana celular / limite celular
Most common in academic and scientific contexts
Rio de Janeiro
membrana celular
Standard usage in educational institutions
São Paulo
membrana celular / fronteira celular
Used interchangeably in scientific research
Portugal
membrana celular / limite celular
Similar usage to Brazil, with preference for 'membrana' in formal contexts

Related Words

cell wallmembrane proteinsemipermeable membraneorganellecytoplasmnucleus

Related Idioms & Phrases

cross the cell boundary
within the cell boundary
maintain the cell boundary
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