现代细胞与发育生物学汇集了多种学科和技术，这些学科和技术通过共同的目标相互联系，这些共同目标是理解细胞的性质和行为，以及这些细胞如何共同组装生物体。这是一门相对较新的学科，源于生理学和生物化学研究。一些细胞和发育生物学家专注于一种特定分子在细胞内发挥的作用。其他人则研究分子组装成染色体或核等结构的方式。还有一些研究人员检查细胞群如何相互作用以形成更复杂的系统，例如受精卵在发育阶段演变为成年生物时会发生这种情况。细胞和发育生物学家所采用的仪器和方法的范围也各不相同，包括重组DNA技术，生物化学，细胞培养，遗
Modern cell and developmental biology brings together a diverse group of disciplines and technologies linked by the common goals of understanding the nature and behavior of cells and how these cells work together to assemble an organism. Whereas some cell and developmental biologists may concentrate on the role that one particular molecule plays within cells, others study the way that many different molecules assemble into structures such as chromosomes or the nucleus, while yet others may examine how groups of cells interact to form systems of greater complexity, ultimately leading to the progression of a fertilized egg through the many stages of development to form an adult organism. The range of instruments and methods employed by cell and developmental biologists is equally diverse, including recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, cell culture, genetics, light and electron microscopy, and many others. The Cell and Developmental Biology major is excellent preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school, because all these professional programs demand a basic understanding in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.