Concept

The Cell

The cell

The smallest unit that can carry out the processes of life.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

A cell is a tiny living system. It has a boundary, internal structures, and molecular instructions that help it take in resources and do work.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE

Explore nextCell biology

Follow the Connections

See how The Cell links to other biological records.

Cell componentNucleuscontains Cell componentMitochondrioncontains Cell componentPlasma Membranebounded by Cell componentCytoplasmcontains

All 6 Structured Connections

The Cell · ConceptCONTAINS →Nucleus · Cell component

The Cell · ConceptCONTAINS →Mitochondrion · Cell component

The Cell · ConceptBOUNDED BY →Plasma Membrane · Cell component

The Cell · ConceptCONTAINS →Cytoplasm · Cell component

Cytoskeleton · Cell componentORGANIZES →The Cell · Concept

Cell Wall · Cell componentSUPPORTS →The Cell · Concept

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about The Cell.

textbookThe Compartmentalization of CellsMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf pathwayRespiratory electron transport (R-HSA-611105)Reactome · Homo sapiens pathwayTranslocation of SLC2A4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membraneReactome · Homo sapiens textbookThe Universal Features of Cells on EarthMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf

Research Claims

Cell behavior emerges from coupled biochemical networks, membrane organization, gene regulation, mechanics, and interactions with neighboring cells.

[1] Molecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf