Cellular and Micro Biology
About this Major
Cell biology and developmental biology are two closely related disciplines at the very heart of the biological sciences. Cell biology focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the basic functions of homeostasis, gene regulation, ion transport, growth and division, secretion, signalling and locomotion are achieved at the molecular and cellular levels. Thus, cell biology links the more reductionist fields of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and structural biology to the study of organ systems and whole organisms in the fields of developmental biology, immunology, neurobiology and physiology.
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Because cell biologists seek to understand how cells function both under normal conditions and in disease states such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and muscular dystrophy, the CDB emphasis constitutes a “middle road” for those planning medical careers. In addition to the standard techniques of biochemistry and molecular biology, cell biologists employ a powerful array of optical and physiological techniques to measure and manipulate the location and concentration of ions and molecules within living cells and subcellular organelles, and even the forces exerted by cells on their surroundings.
Developmental biologists seek to provide an explanation for how mature organisms arise from a single cell, i.e. the fertilized egg. To succeed in this will ultimately require understanding how all the basic cell biological processes are orchestrated, with stunning intricacy and precision, by dynamic arrays of cells in the developing embryo. Another central issue in biology is that of how developmental processes in ancient life forms were modified during evolution to give rise to the diversity of modern plants and animals.
Developmental biologists seek to provide an explanation for how mature organisms arise from a single cell, i.e. the fertilized egg. To succeed in this will ultimately require understanding how all the basic cell biological processes are orchestrated, with stunning intricacy and precision, by dynamic arrays of cells in the developing embryo. Another central issue in biology is that of how developmental processes in ancient life forms were modified during evolution to give rise to the diversity of modern plants and animals.
Related Career Paths
Key Workplace Skills
- Analytical and investigative skills
- Related technical knowledge
- Plan, organize, and prioritize work
- Detail-orientation
- Create and edit written reports
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Regional Internships
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute Amgen Swedish Hospital ZymoGenetics, Inc. Organizations and Leadership Conduct a senior research project Become a science tutor for your peers Volunteer at a local hospital Apply for a research scholarship Do a research project with Seattle Biomedical Research Institute |
Potential Employers
• Laboratories at a university, hospital, or company
• Federal government laboratories/agencies
• Healthcare industries
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology firms
• Environmental or agricultural organizations
• Federal government laboratories/agencies
• Healthcare industries
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology firms
• Environmental or agricultural organizations
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