Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Cell biologists explore diverse questions concerning the organization and functions of microbial, plant, and animal cells. Key areas of study include cellular responses to external signals like hormones, mechanisms of cell movement, material transport processes, distinctions between cancerous and healthy cells, the assembly of cellular components, intercellular communication, and cellular ultrastructure. Investigative methods encompass microscopy (both electron and light-based), molecular genetics, biochemical analysis, and biophysical techniques. Culturing cells represents a vital component of cellular research. At Cornell, scientists actively investigate yeast, insect, avian, plant, and mammalian cellular systems. Researchers specializing in cell biology span multiple departments across the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
Prospective students focusing on Molecular and Cell Biology should pursue advanced coursework in physical sciences and maintain strong mathematical foundations. Genetic principles and biochemical knowledge form the cornerstone of cellular studies. Indeed, the boundaries between biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology often overlap. Essentially, cell biology applies biochemical and genetic methodologies to address questions at the cellular scale.