Skip to content

Cell Biology

Cell structure, membrane transport, signaling, cell cycle, apoptosis, and stem cells

Written and reviewed by the Study Mondo Education TeamLast updated

📂 Subtopics in Cell Biology

Select a subtopic below to start studying

1

Cell Structure & Organelles

Functions of organelles and cell compartmentalization

→
2

Membrane Transport

Diffusion, active transport, and membrane dynamics

→
3

Cell Signaling

Signal transduction pathways and receptor classes

→
4

Cell Cycle & Apoptosis

Regulation of growth, division, and programmed cell death

→
🎯⭐ INTERACTIVE LESSON

Try the Interactive Version!

Learn step-by-step with practice exercises built right in.

Start Interactive Lesson →

Cell Biology for the MCAT

Cell Structure

  • Nucleus: Contains DNA, site of transcription
  • Mitochondria: ATP via oxidative phosphorylation
  • Rough ER: Ribosome-studded, protein synthesis
  • Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis, detoxification
  • Golgi: Modifies, sorts, packages proteins

Membrane Transport

  • Passive: Diffusion, osmosis, facilitated — no energy, down gradient
  • Active: Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in per ATP)
  • Endocytosis: Phagocytosis, pinocytosis, receptor-mediated
  • Exocytosis: Vesicle fusion with membrane

Cell Signaling

  • GPCRs: G-protein coupled receptors → second messengers (cAMP, IP3, Ca²⁺)
  • RTKs: Receptor tyrosine kinases — dimerize and autophosphorylate

Cell Cycle

G1 → S (DNA synthesis) → G2 → M (mitosis) Checkpoints at G1/S, G2/M, and metaphase

Explain using:
Next Topic →
Mendelian & Non-Mendelian Genetics
🎴

Practice with Flashcards

Rate this topic's cards with spaced repetition. Cards join your deck when you finish a topic's lesson and take its exit quiz.

📖

Browse All Topics

Explore more MCAT Prep topics

📌 Related Topics in Biological & Biochemical Foundations

Mendelian & Non-Mendelian GeneticsCell Structure & OrganellesBacteriaCardiovascular SystemDNA Replication & RepairMusculoskeletal System

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cell Biology?▾
Cell structure, membrane transport, signaling, cell cycle, apoptosis, and stem cells
How can I study Cell Biology effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Cell Biology study guide free?▾
Yes — all study notes, flashcards, and practice problems for Cell Biology on Study Mondo are free to access. No account is needed.
What course covers Cell Biology?▾
Cell Biology is part of the MCAT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the Biological & Biochemical Foundations section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.