A fuel cell comprises a pair of separator plates and a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between the separator plates. At least one of the fluid distribution layers comprises a sealing region and an electrically conductive, fluid permeable active region, and a thermoplastic polymeric material extending into each of the sealing region and the active region. An ion exchange membrane is interposed between at least a portion of the fluid distribution layers, and a quantity of electrocatalyst is interposed between at least a portion of each of the fluid distribution layers and at least a portion of the membrane, thereby defining the active region. Melt-bonding the thermoplastic material in the sealing region renders the at least one fluid distribution layer substantially fluid impermeable in a direction parallel to the major planar surfaces. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for separate gaskets or sealing components and integrates several functions, such as sealing, fluid distribution, and current collection in a single layer.