Cell biology

Cell Biology

Cell biology (pronounced: /sɛl baɪˈɒlədʒi/) is a branch of biology that studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells. The term "cell biology" is derived from the Latin word "cella" meaning "small room" and the Greek word "βιολογία" meaning "study of life".

Structure

The structure of cells varies based on their function and location within an organism. However, all cells contain certain key components. These include the cell membrane, which controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, the cytoplasm, where metabolic reactions occur, and the nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material.

Function

The function of a cell is largely determined by the specific proteins it produces. These proteins, which are encoded by the cell's DNA, carry out a wide range of tasks, from providing structural support to facilitating chemical reactions. The process by which proteins are produced is known as protein synthesis.

Behavior

Cells exhibit a range of behaviors, including growth, division, and response to stimuli. The process by which a cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells is known as mitosis. In contrast, the process by which a cell divides to produce four genetically unique daughter cells is known as meiosis.

Related Terms

Cell Cycle: The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.
Cell Division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
Cell Membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
Cytoplasm: The material within a living cell, excluding the cell nucleus.
Nucleus: A membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's chromosomes.
Protein Synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins.
Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.