An electrochemical cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly: first and second reactant flow field plates for providing first and second reactant flow fields disposed on either side of the membrane electrode assembly. A first seal is disposed between the first reactant flow field plate and the membrane electrode assembly for impeding leakage of process fluids of the electrochemical cell. A first gas diffusion layer is disposed between the first reactant flow field plate and the membrane electrode assembly for diffusing reactant from the first reactant flow field to the membrane electrode assembly. The gas diffusion layer provides a peripheral support structure for supporting the membrane electrode assembly at a periphery between the first reactant flow field and the first seal to impede substantial distortion of the membrane electrode assembly between the first reactant flow field and the first seal.