Asked by jojo
What are cells called the basic unit of life?
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Cells are called the basic unit of life because each cell is the smallest structure that can carry out all the processes needed for life. This idea is a core part of the cell theory, which states:
- All living organisms are made of one or more cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
- All cells come from preexisting cells.
Key reasons cells earn that title:
- A single cell can perform essential life functions (metabolism, growth, waste removal, response to stimuli, and reproduction).
- Cells contain and use genetic information (DNA or RNA) to direct those functions.
- Multicellular organisms are built from cells organized into tissues and organs, so organism-level functions are ultimately performed by cells.
Examples: bacteria are single cells that live independently; animals and plants are multicellular, with specialized cells (nerve cells, muscle cells, leaf cells) doing different jobs.
- All living organisms are made of one or more cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
- All cells come from preexisting cells.
Key reasons cells earn that title:
- A single cell can perform essential life functions (metabolism, growth, waste removal, response to stimuli, and reproduction).
- Cells contain and use genetic information (DNA or RNA) to direct those functions.
- Multicellular organisms are built from cells organized into tissues and organs, so organism-level functions are ultimately performed by cells.
Examples: bacteria are single cells that live independently; animals and plants are multicellular, with specialized cells (nerve cells, muscle cells, leaf cells) doing different jobs.
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