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outer membrane
This term is a specialized biological descriptor used primarily in microbiology and cell biology. It refers to a specific structural layer that provides a critical interface between the interior of a cell or organelle and its external environment. In the context of Gram-negative bacteria, it is a defining characteristic that distinguishes them from Gram-positive bacteria, which lack this additional layer.
Because it serves as a selective barrier, the term often appears in discussions regarding permeability, antibiotic resistance, and transport proteins. It is a technical term and is rarely used outside of scientific, medical, or academic discourse.