Cell Biology

Cell biology is the scientific discipline that studies the cell, the fundamental structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It delves into the intricate details of cellular structure, including the roles of various organelles, and examines the complex processes that govern a cell's life, such as metabolism, growth, communication, and division. By focusing on this microscopic level, cell biology provides the essential foundation for understanding how tissues, organs, and entire organisms function in both health and disease.

1. Introduction to Cell Biology
   1. Historical Development of Cell Biology
      1. Early Microscopy and Cell Discovery
         1. Development of the Microscope
         2. Limitations of Early Microscopes
         3. First Observations of Cells
      2. Key Historical Figures
         1. Robert Hooke
            1. Observation of Cork Cells
            2. Coining the Term "Cell"
         2. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
            1. Discovery of Microorganisms
            2. Improvements in Lens Technology
         3. Matthias Schleiden
            1. Plant Cell Theory Contributions
         4. Theodor Schwann
            1. Animal Cell Theory Contributions
         5. Rudolf Virchow
            1. Cell Division Principles
   2. Cell Theory
      1. Classical Cell Theory
         1. All Living Things are Composed of Cells
         2. The Cell is the Basic Unit of Life
         3. All Cells Arise from Pre-existing Cells
      2. Modern Extensions of Cell Theory
         1. Hereditary Information Transmission
         2. Energy Flow Within Cells
         3. Similar Chemical Composition
   3. Universal Characteristics of Cells
      1. Plasma Membrane
         1. Boundary Function
         2. Selective Permeability
      2. Genetic Material
         1. DNA as Universal Genetic Code
         2. Location Differences in Cell Types
      3. Ribosomes
         1. Protein Synthesis Function
         2. Universal Presence
      4. Cytoplasm
         1. Aqueous Environment
         2. Metabolic Activities
   4. Classification of Cellular Life
      1. Prokaryotic Cells
         1. Structural Characteristics
         2. Functional Properties
      2. Eukaryotic Cells
         1. Structural Characteristics
         2. Functional Properties
      3. Three Domains of Life
         1. Bacteria
            1. Distinguishing Features
            2. Metabolic Diversity
         2. Archaea
            1. Extreme Environment Adaptations
            2. Unique Biochemistry
         3. Eukarya
            1. Membrane-Bound Organelles
            2. Kingdoms within Eukarya
   5. Model Organisms in Cell Biology Research
      1. Prokaryotic Model Systems
         1. Escherichia coli
            1. Research Advantages
            2. Applications in Molecular Biology
      2. Eukaryotic Model Systems
         1. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
            1. Cell Cycle Studies
            2. Genetic Manipulation
         2. Drosophila melanogaster
            1. Developmental Biology
            2. Genetics Research
         3. Caenorhabditis elegans
            1. Cell Lineage Studies
            2. Apoptosis Research
         4. Mus musculus
            1. Mammalian Cell Biology
            2. Disease Models
         5. Human Cell Lines
            1. HeLa Cells
            2. Primary Cell Cultures
            3. Immortalized Cell Lines