Essentials of cell physiology

Cell physiology and molecular genetics now provide the basis for the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms involved in normal and pathological physiology, modes of drug action, and risks involved in surgical procedures. Some explanations of disease (e.g. cystic fibrosis, involving a single mutation in a protein) are relatively easily understood. Others may be more complex (e.g. obesity). All such conditions are ultimately better understood by insights into the cell function. This article concentrates on the cell membrane, organelles, signalling, membrane channels and transporters. We outline cell volume regulation, swelling and oedema, which are important to organ transplantation and brain function.