AMAZING CELLS

CELLS ARE COMPLEX & DYNAMIC
The cell's interior is structured in a way that streamlines cell function.
interactive explore
INSIDE A CELL
See the parts of a cell in action.
learn more
DIRECTING TRAFFIC: HOW VESICLES TRANSPORT CARGO
Small compartments called vesicles carry materials throughout the cell.
learn more
MEMBRANES ORGANIZE CELLULAR COMPLEXITY
Membranes are critical for organized and efficient cell function.
CELLS COMMUNICATE
Cells communicate through signals, aided by pathways made mostly of proteins. A cell's response depends on the signal itself, as well as the cell type.
3D animation
AN EXAMPLE OF CELL COMMUNICATION: THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
When the brain detects danger or a threat, cell signaling machinery springs into action, producing a variety of responses throughout the body.

learn more
HOW CELLS COMMUNICATE DURING THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
An in-depth look at one axis of cell communication during the fight or flight response.
interactive explore
DROPPING SIGNALS
Cell signals travel through the body, coming in contact with many cell types. The response depends on the type of cell the signal reaches.

learn more
WHEN CELL COMMUNICATION GOES WRONG
Cell communication can be disrupted in a number of ways, sometimes resulting in disease.

learn more
THE INSIDE STORY OF CELL COMMUNICATION
How signals travel into and through cells.
CELLS IN PERSPECTIVE
In 1665, Robert Hooke coined the term cell to describe the structures he could see in cork with some of the first microscopes. Since then, technology has given us an increasingly complex view of the basic unit of life.

interactive explore
CELL SIZE AND SCALE
How big are cells compared with other objects, molecules and atoms?
learn more
THE EVOLUTION OF THE CELL
The endosymbiotic theory explains how relatives of ancient bacteria ended up in modern-day cells.
links to other sites
REAL CELL VIDEOS
Links to real cell videos and images on the Internet.

Grant #1 R25 RR16291-01
The contents provided here are solely the responsibility of the authors
and do not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH.
CREDITS