A man and a woman sit at a computer in a lab, viewing a colorful 3D molecular structure on the monitor. The man is pointing at the screen while explaining something. Lab equipment and tubing are visible in the background.

Department Overview

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology brings together diverse faculty members interested in tackling fundamental biological questions at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Our research and teaching activities transcend phyletic separations among plants, animals, and microorganisms. Rather, they focus on the molecular structure, dynamic function, and regulation of the molecules, supramolecular assemblies, and cells that underlie nearly all biological processes on earth.

The Department administers three long-standing undergraduate majors in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry and molecular biology and makes significant contributions to graduate education across several graduate programs in the College of Biological Sciences.

We are committed to fostering excellent interdisciplinary research across the UC Davis campus and beyond by maintaining two state-of-the-art research technology cores. The MCB Light Imaging Facility specializes in live cell imaging and super-resolution methods for a wide variety of applications. The Bio Electron Microscopy facility provides expertise and equipment to support determination of the 3-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules.

Leadership

Frédéric Chédin
flchedin@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-1800		ChairFaculty Profile
Sean Burgess
smburgess@ucdavis.edu
(530) 754-5177		Vice Chair for Academic PersonnelFaculty Profile
Marina Ellefson
mlellefson@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-9664		Vice Chair for Undergraduate TeachingFaculty Profile
Nena Herrera
nherrera@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-9093		Chief Administrative Officer 

Department Research Cores

Close-up of a lattice light-sheet microscope setup with precision optics and laser beams in red, green, and blue, used for high-resolution live-cell imaging in advanced biological research.

Biological Electron Microscopy Facility

This facility supports high-resolution structural biology of single-particle samples by providing access to cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation, imaging capabilities, data collection, and data analysis services. Located in Briggs Hall, the facility offers training and services to on campus and external users. Equipment housed within the facility includes a Glacios TEM and GP2 and Vitrobot plunge freezing devices. Grids can be automatically screened using Smartscope software.
Fluorescent microscopy image of a zebrafish embryo cross-section, showing neural and muscular structures in vivid colors—magenta, yellow, and blue—highlighting cellular organization and developmental anatomy.

MCB Light Microscopy Core Facility

This facility offers advanced fluorescence microscopy tools, specializing in live-cell imaging and super-resolution techniques. Researchers have access to cutting-edge instruments like lattice light sheet, spinning disk confocal and SIM microscopes, as well as high-throughput imaging platforms, and optical trapping. 
Close-up image of translucent freshwater hydra, small aquatic organisms with slender bodies and tentacle-like appendages, clustered on a reflective surface against a dark background.

Department Research Areas