middle lamella: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “middle lamella” mean?
The thin, cementing layer of pectin and other polysaccharides found between the primary cell walls of adjacent plant cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The thin, cementing layer of pectin and other polysaccharides found between the primary cell walls of adjacent plant cells.
In biology and botany, the middle lamella serves as an intercellular glue, holding plant cells together. It is the first layer deposited during cell division and is crucial for tissue cohesion. In materials science, the term can be used analogously to describe a thin, bonding layer between similar structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of 'lamella' may show slight variation (see IPA).
Connotations
None; purely technical term.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to academic/technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “middle lamella” in a Sentence
The middle lamella [VERB]...The [ADJECTIVE] middle lamella...[NOUN] of the middle lamella...[VERB] the middle lamella...Located in the middle lamella...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “middle lamella” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The middle-lamella pectin is crucial.
- A middle-lamella-specific enzyme.
American English
- Middle-lamella structure is key to texture.
- The middle-lamella region was analyzed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Standard term in plant biology, forestry, and agriculture textbooks and research papers. Example: 'The study focused on pectin degradation in the middle lamella during fruit ripening.'
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in plant anatomy, horticulture, and wood science. Example: 'During pulping, chemicals break down the middle lamella to separate fibres.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “middle lamella”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “middle lamella”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “middle lamella”
- Misspelling 'lamella' as 'lamela' or 'lamellar'.
- Incorrectly referring to it as the 'middle lamina'.
- Using it to describe animal tissues.
- Pronouncing it /ləˈmɛlə/ without the first weak syllable /lə/ in 'lamella'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered the outermost layer of the plant cell wall complex, shared between adjacent cells.
It is extremely thin and often not distinctly visible under a standard light microscope; an electron microscope is typically needed for clear observation.
The cells separate from each other, a process called maceration. This occurs naturally during fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and is induced in industrial processes like wood pulping.
No, animal tissues use different structures (e.g., extracellular matrix, basement membranes) for cell adhesion. The middle lamella is specific to plants.
The thin, cementing layer of pectin and other polysaccharides found between the primary cell walls of adjacent plant cells.
Middle lamella is usually technical/scientific in register.
Middle lamella: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪd.l̩ ləˈmel.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪd.l̩ ləˈmel.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a multi-layered sandwich: the bread slices are the primary cell walls, and the thin layer of mayonnaise or butter holding them together is the MIDDLE LAMELLA.
Conceptual Metaphor
The middle lamella is the MORTAR between the BRICKS (plant cells). / It is the INTERCELLULAR GLUE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary chemical component of the middle lamella?