Which biological study primarily focuses on the function and structure of cells?

Cell Biology is the branch of biology that focuses specifically on the structure and function of cells. It encompasses many aspects such as cell anatomy, the mechanisms of cellular processes, cell communication, and the differences between various cell types. This field serves as the foundation for understanding how cells operate within multicellular organisms, their interactions, and their roles in various biological systems. It also addresses topics like cell division, signaling pathways, and cellular differentiation, making it central to both basic and applied biological research.

Molecular Biology, while it has some overlap with cell biology, primarily deals with biological molecules and their interactions at a molecular level, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, rather than focusing exclusively on the overall cell structure or function. Microbiology looks at microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can involve aspects of cell biology but does not primarily concern itself with cells in the broader context. Ecology focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environment, rather than the cellular level. Thus, Cell Biology is the most appropriate choice when it comes to the study of cells' structure and function.