Citation
Cell Biology by the Numbers
TL;DR
Cell membrane thickness ranges from 4-10 nm depending on protein content
This authoritative reference provides the quantitative foundation for understanding cell membranes. When the chapter states that cell membranes are 7-8 nanometers thick (1/10,000th the width of a human hair), this data comes from Milo and Phillips' rigorous compilation of cellular measurements.
For business readers, these numbers matter because they demonstrate how biology achieves remarkable function with minimal structure. The thinnest possible barrier maintains life-or-death boundaries. Similarly, organizational boundaries don't need to be bureaucratic behemoths - they need to be precisely designed for their function.
Key Findings from Milo & Phillips (2015)
- Cell membrane thickness ranges from 4-10 nm depending on protein content
- The phospholipid bilayer core measures approximately 4 nm
- Harvard BioNumbers database provides peer-reviewed measurements of cellular parameters