Cells

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Cells

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 developments, 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.

Other resources

Fact Sheets

Studying Cells
Trillions of cells make up our bodies, and researchers continue to learn more about their features and functions. Discover some recent advances.
Regeneration
Regeneration is a natural process that allows plants and animals to replace or restore damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, and even entire body parts to full function. Learn more about regeneration and its potential uses in medicine.

All fact sheets

Biomedical Beat Blog

The Meat of the Matter: Learning How Gut Microbiota Might Reduce Harm from Red Meat
Did you know diets high in red meat have been linked to inflammation and higher potential for certain diseases? But recently, researchers have discovered a type of bacteria that may play a role in reducing inflammation in the body caused by red meat.
Cool Images: A Colorful—and Halloween-Inspired—Collection
Scientific images can look different than you might expect. Will our cool images trick you? Check out our latest post and make your best guesses.
Cilia: Tiny Cell Structures With Mighty Functions
Cilia are tiny, lashlike structures that line the surface of nearly every cell in our bodies. Learn about the various ways that the tiny but mighty cilia work hard to help take care of us.
Five Fabulous Fats
Lipids protect your vital organs and launch chemical reactions needed for growth, immune function, and reproduction—among other critical roles. Here we recognize the importance of fats in the body, starting with five that are essential to health.

Profiles: Meet a Scientist

The Irresistible Resistome: How Infant Diapers Might Help Combat Antibiotic Resistance (sort of)
Biochemist Gautam Dantas studies what’s deposited on infant diapers for clues about antibiotic resistance.
Get Your Cell Biology Questions Ready For Cell Day
Join NIGMS scientists on November 3 for Cell Day 2016, an opportunity for middle and high school students to ask experts about cell biology, biochemistry, research careers and more.
The Science of Size: Rebecca Heald Explores Size Control in Amphibians
Cell biologist Rebecca Heald studies the factors that determine an animal’s size.