Most distinct cell types arise from a single totipotent cell, called a zygote, that differentiates into hundreds of different cell types during the course of development. A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic, consisting of cytoplasm and a membrane, and in most cases containing a nucleus and organelles. A cell is the smallest unit that is typically considered alive and is a fundamental unit of life.

Understanding the Context

All living organisms are composed of cells, from just one (unicellular) to many trillions (multicellular). Cell biology is the study of cells, their physiology, structure, and life cycle. Human cells contain the following major parts, listed in alphabetical order: Within cells, the cytoplasm is made up of a jelly-like fluid (called the cytosol) and other structures that surround the nucleus. The cytoskeleton is a network of long fibers that make up the cell’s structural framework.

Key Insights