Cell physiology vs Molecular biology vs Cell Biology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the distinctions and overlaps between cell physiology, molecular biology, and cell biology. Participants aim to clarify the definitions and scopes of these fields, focusing on their respective areas of study and how they relate to one another.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines molecular biology as the study of biological molecules, their interactions, and purposes.
  • Another participant describes cell physiology as focused on the engineering of the cell and the study of biological cells.
  • A different perspective suggests that cell biology involves the inner workings of cells and their systems, which seems similar to cell physiology.
  • One participant offers a general framework stating that physiology relates to function while anatomy relates to structure, applicable to all biological systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and scopes of the three fields, indicating that multiple competing interpretations remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions may depend on specific contexts or educational backgrounds, and there may be unresolved nuances in how participants interpret the terms.

Jarfi
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What exactly is the concrete difference between those three?
 
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Why don't you tell us your understanding of them first? That way we can help you fix any misconceptions or fill in the blanks.
 
Ryan_m_b said:
Why don't you tell us your understanding of them first? That way we can help you fix any misconceptions or fill in the blanks.

I am studying molecular biology and my understanding is that it is the study of biological molecules, their interactions and purpose.

Cell Physiology is something that is about the engineering of the cell, basically study of biological cells.
Cell biology, inner working of the cells, and all their systems.. same as cell physiology as far as I can tell?
 
The way I explain it is:

Physiology = function
Anatomy = structure.

This applies to all biological systems, from cell to organism.
 

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