Cell biology and Genetics is the science of heredity. It is studied at the level of whole organisms, the DNA itself (molecular genetics), or whole populations. Cell biology explains the structure, organization of the organelles they contain, their physiological properties, metabolic processes, signaling pathways, life cycle, and interactions with their environment. This is done both on a microscopic and molecular level as it encompasses prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Geneticists use molecular approaches to investigate how genes determine physical traits, including susceptibility to diseases and inherited disorders. Cell biology focuses on the structure and function of the components of living cells (such as the cell membrane, the flagella responsible for cell movements, cell differentiation in developing organisms, abnormal cell division, and metabolic interactions between cell compartments). This textbook will familiarizes students with the fundamental principles of cell biology and genetics in a comprehensive yet concise integrated format.
