membrane transport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “membrane transport” mean?
The movement of ions, molecules, or substances across a biological membrane.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The movement of ions, molecules, or substances across a biological membrane.
In biology and biochemistry, the processes by which substances pass into, out of, or within cells through cellular membranes, including passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words follows regional norms (e.g., analyse/analyze).
Connotations
Identical scientific meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in academic and technical registers in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “membrane transport” in a Sentence
The [noun] is involved in membrane transport.[Subject] studies/researches/describes membrane transport.Membrane transport of [substance] occurs via...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “membrane transport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Substances are transported across the membrane via specific proteins.
- The protein transports sodium ions out of the cell.
American English
- The system transports molecules across the membrane efficiently.
- This carrier protein transports glucose.
adverb
British English
- The ion moved transport-wise across the membrane. (Highly unnatural; adverbs from this noun phrase are not standard.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form exists.)
adjective
British English
- The membrane transport process is highly selective.
- They identified a new membrane transport mechanism.
American English
- Membrane transport proteins are essential for cell function.
- We studied membrane transport dynamics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in life sciences. 'The paper investigates defects in mitochondrial membrane transport.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in pharmacology, physiology, and cell biology. 'The drug inhibits a specific membrane transport protein.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “membrane transport”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “membrane transport”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “membrane transport”
- Using it as a plural (e.g., 'membrane transports'). It is generally non-count.
- Confusing 'membrane transport' (process) with a 'transport membrane' (a type of material).
- Incorrect verb agreement: 'Membrane transport are...' instead of 'Membrane transport is...'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a non-count (uncountable) noun referring to the general process. One would not typically say 'two membrane transports'. However, you can refer to 'types of membrane transport'.
No. The term itself is a noun phrase. The related verb is simply 'transport', as in 'to transport something across a membrane'.
It is fundamental in cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences.
'Diffusion' is a broad physical process of particle movement. 'Membrane transport' is the biological/biochemical application of diffusion and other mechanisms specifically for crossing cellular membranes.
The movement of ions, molecules, or substances across a biological membrane.
Membrane transport is usually technical/scientific in register.
Membrane transport: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛm.breɪn ˌtræn.spɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛm.breɪn ˌtræn.spɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MEMbrane as a security gate at a train station (TRANSPORT hub). Only certain passengers (molecules) are allowed through via specific gates (channels/pumps).
Conceptual Metaphor
TRANSPORT IS TRAFFIC ACROSS A BORDER/GATE. The membrane is a border checkpoint with different rules for different travellers.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'active membrane transport'?