Modern cell biology makes use of a variety of methods to investigate how cells function. A better knowledge on the cellular machinery opens the door for a better understanding of physiological and pathophysiological interactions. Cellular processes are dynamic; therefore it is necessary to investigate the physiological function and the mode of action of biomolecules, as well as the interaction of biomolecules. Such experiments have to be performed on living cells under physiologically relevant conditions. Taking up this challenge, Olympus developed the cell family -- analySIS B, analySIS D, cell M and cell R -- a family of imaging stations with user-friendly software environments for all fluorescence microscopy applications in the field of cell and molecular biology. AnalySIS B is the basic platform while cell R is the most extensive system, meeting the most demanding requirements for experiments in real time. Just like a real-life family, the members of this product family resemble one another in appearance. They all have the same 'look and feel' and the packages are mutually upgrade-able.