This chapter deals with the basic unit of structure of the human body and the cell. It explains the makeup of a composite cell and the contribution of each of the organelles to cellular function (objectives 1, 2, and 4). It introduces the various mechanisms used to transport material into and out of the cell (objectives 3 and 6). The process of cell reproduction and the factors that control cell reproduction (objectives, 5, 7, 8 and 9) are discussed.

An understanding of cell structure is basic to understanding how cells support life at the cellular and organismic levels.