Cell biology is the study of the structure and function of cells, the basic units of life. It encompasses prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and includes sub-topics like cell metabolism, communication between cells, the cell cycle, biochemistry within cells, and cellular composition. A cell consists of a cell membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm containing organelles. Cell structure and composition, metabolism, communication between cells, biochemistry, and the cell cycle are key areas of focus in cell biology.