What is the basic unit of life?

The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of an organism that can carry out all the necessary processes to sustain life. Every living organism is composed of one or more cells, highlighting their fundamental role in the study of biology.

Cells perform essential functions such as metabolism, growth, response to stimuli, and reproduction. They are capable of maintaining homeostasis and are involved in various biological processes, including energy production and transport of substances. While atoms and molecules are important building blocks of matter and are involved in cellular structure and function, they do not encompass the full range of biological activities that define life. Tissues, on the other hand, are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function, but they are dependent on the individual cells from which they are formed. Thus, distinguishing cells as the fundamental unit of life emphasizes their critical role in biology.