In biology, the scientific study of cells, including their structure, function and life history, is known by which name?

Introduction / Context:
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life, and understanding them is central to all of biology and medicine. Because of this, there is a specialised branch of science devoted entirely to the study of cells. Exams often ask for the precise term used for this branch. The question checks whether you can correctly identify the established scientific name for the study of cells among related biological terms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is the scientific study of cells.
• The options include Cytology, Cell biology, Histology, and None of these.
• We assume standard textbook terminology, where specific names have defined meanings.
• We also note that some terms may overlap in informal usage, but one is the classical name used in exam keys.

Concept / Approach:
The classical term for the study of cells is Cytology. The word comes from cyto meaning cell and logy meaning study. It includes the study of cell structure, function, division, and life cycle. The broader phrase Cell biology is used in modern literature to describe an expanded field that includes molecular mechanisms inside cells, signalling, and interactions. Histology, on the other hand, is the study of tissues, which are groups of cells organised together, and is therefore more focused on tissue level organisation than on individual cells alone. Thus, Cytology is the precise term that directly answers the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is asking for the name of the branch of science dealing specifically with cells. Step 2: Recall that textbooks traditionally define Cytology as the study of the structure and function of cells. Step 3: Recognise that Cell biology is often used as a synonym in modern courses but is usually treated as a broader, umbrella term. Step 4: Note that Histology is defined as the study of tissues rather than individual cells, even though it uses microscopic examination of cells within tissues. Step 5: Conclude that Cytology is the most specific and traditionally accepted term for the scientific study of cells.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard biology glossaries and exam guides list Cytology as the branch of biology dealing with cells. Histology is listed separately as the study of tissues, and Cell biology is usually described as a wider field that includes cytology and molecular biology aspects. Many multiple choice questions in exams directly state, Study of cells is called Cytology, making it clear which term exam setters expect. This consistent usage supports Cytology as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cell biology, while closely related, is not the classical one word term usually required in older style MCQs, and the question suggests a single established name. Histology is incorrect because it focuses on tissues (groups of cells) and their arrangement, not solely on individual cells as units. None of these is wrong because a correct, recognised term does exist and is provided among the options, namely Cytology.

Common Pitfalls:
One common pitfall is to choose Histology because you associate microscope slides with both cells and tissues, without recalling the exact definition. Another is to pick Cell biology because it sounds more modern and comprehensive, even though the question is targeting the classical term. To avoid such errors, remember the simple mapping: Cytology equals study of cells, Histology equals study of tissues, and Pathology equals study of disease. Keeping these key definitions clear in your memory will help you answer similar questions correctly.

Final Answer:
The correct option is Cytology, which is the scientific name for the branch of biology that studies cells, their structure, function, and life history.