Science Education: Cell Biology
Understanding the structure and function of cells and their many parts, in health and in disease—that's cell biology.
Studies in cell biology focus on questions like:
- How do cells move, communicate, divide and ultimately die?
- How are cellular components made and maintained?
- What tools do we need to study cells up close and in real time?
Follow the links below to learn more about cell biology, including recent discoveries, and read profiles of researchers working in this field.
Booklets
Inside the Cell
Explores the interior design of cells and vividly describes the processes that take place within cellular organelles and structures.
The Structures of Life
Reveals how understanding the shape of biological molecules involved in many cellular processes provides insight into health and disease.
Classroom Poster
Seeing Cells Poster
Displays a variety of cell images and some basic facts about cells.
Fact Sheet
Cells
Trillions of cells make up our bodies, and researchers continue to learn more about their features and functions. Discover some recent advances.
Research News
Ion Channel Releases ATP for Taste Perception
Researchers have figured out how cells transmit information regarding sweet, bitter and savory taste types.
Molecule Linked to Rare Blood Type
Improved understanding of a rare blood type called Vel-negative has led to new tests for detecting and treating people with this blood type.
First Step-by-Step Snapshots of Transcription Initiation
Detailed molecular snapshots capture an intricate and important process, providing a framework for understanding malfunctions that cause cancer and other medical problems.
Articles
How Cells Take Out the Trash
Understanding the garbage disposal systems that cells use to keep their interiors neat and tidy is shedding light on a range of diseases and potential treatments.
Oh What a Tangled Biofilm Web Bacteria Weave
Learning how microbial metropolises called biofilms clog up medical devices could help shape strategies to prevent such blockages.
Spotlighting the Ballet of Mitosis
A powerful light microscope captured this scene from mitosis, revealing details that could lead to a better understanding of how errors in cell division occur.
Profiles: Meet a Scientist
Green Light
Chemist Marc Zimmer
studies protein molecules that make animals glow in the dark—and help scientists study their cells.
Mastering Stem Cells
Researcher Peggy Goodell pursues the properties and uses of stem cells.
The Forces That Bind
Engineer Andrés García studies cell stickiness to create new biomaterials that can heal bones and other body tissues.
Audio and Video
Cool Video: How Cilia Do the Wave
Thin, hairlike biological structures called cilia are tiny but mighty. Working together, cilia play essential roles in human health, such as sweeping debris from the lungs.
Cool Video: Beating Bleeding
Watch proteins in action as they signal blood to clot after an injury.
Modeling How HIV Latches on to Immune Cell Receptors
This model shows how HIV, in gray, might latch on to immune cell receptor molecules, allowing the virus to enter and infect the cell.
Images
Cool Image: Chewing up Proteins
New research has revealed the role of an enzyme in the regulation of protein degradation in the cell and possibly in the development of cancer drugs.
Cool Image: Nanoparticles and Lung Function
What looks like a textile from a fashion designer’s spring collection is actually a microscopic image of lung surfactant stressed by nanoparticles. The study that led to the image could help improve drug delivery methods.
Cool Image: Bacterial Growth in Multicolor
Adding different colored fluorescent dyes during various phases of bacterial cell growth reveals how bacteria grow—and might one day lead to improved antibiotics.
Quizzes and Puzzles
Test Your Science IQ! Game: Cells
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