Cytology is the study of cells. The cell theory states that all living things are made up of cells, new cells are formed via cell division of pre-existing cells, and cells contain hereditary materials. Cytology examines cell structures, functions, and interactions, and is important for understanding diseases. The cell membrane forms the boundary of cells and allows selective transport of materials through proteins and pores. The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane as a fluid bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins that give it a mosaic-like structure.