Cell biologists study cells, which are commonly referred to as the “building blocks of life” because all living things are made up of one or more cells. A cell biologist is a professional who works in the field of cell biology, also known as cytology. Cell biology is the study of all aspects of cells, including their interactions with one another and their surroundings, as well as their cellular and atomic composition. A cell biologist’s job is to conduct experiments in order to better understand the nature of cells. Robert Hooke discovered the cell in the mid to late 1600s, and the field of cell biology has grown since then.
Cell biologists are generally interested in learning more about the processes and structures that take place within cells. Any given cell can contain an almost infinite number of structures and processes, which vary depending on the cell’s function. The relationship between structures and functions is of particular interest to a cell biologist. Similarities between different types of cells or cells from different species are also sought cell biologists. A cell biologist is usually very interested in proteins, as there are many different types of proteins in cells, each with its own function.
Many other branches of biology are intertwined with cellular biology; a cell biologist’s work may intersect with genetics, chemistry, or other disciplines. For example, cell division is the process which cells split in order to produce more cells. The division of DNA strands, which is closely related to genetics, is an important part of this process. Physics and chemistry are also important, especially when it comes to protein molecular composition. A cell biologist, on the other hand, usually needs to be well-versed in a number of disciplines.
When a cell biologist wants to learn more about a specific aspect of a cell or group of cells, they can use a variety of techniques. Growing a controlled culture of cells and ensuring that no unintended contaminations enter the culture and harm the results of an experiment is one of the most important techniques. Transfection is another important technique that involves introducing a new gene into a cell and observing the results. There are a variety of methods for determining the genetic composition of a cell. To conduct effective investigations into the nature of cells, an experimental cell biologist must be knowledgeable in these and many other techniques.
Cell biologists are frequently found working in research labs, as well as in government and academic settings. They may also conduct research on their own. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, cellular biology, or a related science is required for some jobs. A Ph.D. is usually required to conduct independent research. Aspiring biologists can look into different employers and work environments to see what kind of education they’ll need.