noun
- Small, flask-shaped invaginations or pits in the cell membrane that play a role in cellular transport and signaling.
Usage: biology; plural form; singular is caveola; technical/scientific term
Examples
- Caveolae are involved in the uptake of nutrients and hormones into cells.
- The protein caveolin is essential for the formation and function of caveolae.
- Researchers study caveolae to understand how cells regulate transport across the membrane.
- Dysfunction of caveolae has been linked to various cardiovascular diseases.
- Caveolae serve as platforms for cell signaling and protein trafficking.