細胞

さいぼう
Alternative readings: さいほう
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

A biological cell—the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms (e.g., cell division).

NounBiology

Examples

顕微鏡で細胞の構造を観察した。

I observed the structure of cells under a microscope.

幹細胞はさまざまな細胞に分化する能力を持つ。

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells.

皮膚の細胞は定期的に入れ替わる。

Skin cells are regularly replaced.

2

A cell within an organization—especially a small unit within a political or clandestine group.

Noun

Examples

警察はテロ計画に関わる細胞の摘発を進めている。

The police are advancing their crackdown on cells involved in the terrorist plot.

その政党は地方の細胞を増やして組織を拡大した。

The party expanded its organization by increasing local cells.