Cell Biology
What is Cell Biology?
Cell biology is the study of cells—the basic units of structure and function in living organisms. Cells are incredibly complex and diverse, with a wide range of specialized functions. Cell biologists learn about the many different types of cells, how they interact with each other, and how they work together to keep an organism alive.
The field of cell biology is constantly evolving as researchers uncover new and fascinating details about cells. In recent years, advances in microscopy and molecular biology have allowed scientists to make dramatic new discoveries about cells. For example, we now know that cells are not just simple bags of enzymes and proteins, but highly complex organisms with their own internal communications networks and division of labor.
Cell biology is a vital branch of science that helps us to understand how life works at the most basic level. By learning about cells, we can gain a better understanding of diseases and develop new treatments.
Cell biology is a vital area of research that is key to understanding the function of cells and how they interact with each other. It has applications in many fields, including medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
Cell Biology Resources
Cells
2A: Not all shall pass! Yards have fences, and cells have membranes. You don’t want just anybody waltzing into your backyard. Similarly, a healthy cell doesn’t just let in any random molecule - this is the concept of selective permeability. Som...
Cellular respiration
How do your cells extract energy from the food that you eat? As it turns out, cells have a network of elegant metabolic pathways dedicated to just this task. Learn more about cellular respiration, fermentation, and other processes that extract energy...
Cell Biology Content
This resources has basic information on cell biology including the cell cycle, organelles, mitosis and meiosis. It has excellent interactives that allow students to identify the cell parts and progress through the stages of the cell cycle....
Membranes and transport
How do the cells in your body define their boundaries (and control what comes in or goes out)? As it turns out, cells have a sophisticated and flexible barrier, the plasma membrane, and a wide array of strategies for transporting molecules in and out...
Structure of a cell
You, my friend, are made up of cells. Lots and lots of them. Some of them are eukaryotic (human), but many more of them are prokaryotic, thanks to the friendly bacteria of your gut, skin, and other body systems. Jump in to learn more about prokaryoti...
Amazing Cells
Learn about the structure of cells, their size and function and how they communicate. This free resource from the University of Utah provides videos and interactives to help learners understand cell biology....
Cell division
One of the major goals of dividing cells is to split up their DNA as perfectly as possible. (Incorrect division of DNA = chance of a nonfunctional cell, or even cancer!) Learn how DNA combines with proteins to form chromosomes, why different types of...
The Biology Project: Cell Biology
Basic information on cells, mitosis, meiosis, the cell cycle, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, & viruses. This website includes problem sets to test your knowledge....
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. The f...
3-5 Life Science: Organisms and Cells
3-5 Core Curriculum - Life Science: Organisms and Cells Take your children on this fascinating virtual journey inside living organisms to explore cells and cellular structure! Highlights include 10 hands-on activities and experiments to engage...