What is the basic unit of life?

The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of living organisms, serving as the building blocks from which all living things are constructed. Every organism, whether unicellular or multicellular, is composed of cells. They carry out essential functions necessary for survival, such as metabolism, energy production, and reproduction.

In multicellular organisms, cells differentiate into various types to form tissues and organs, but regardless of their complexity, all life relies on cells to maintain biological processes. The study of cells and their interactions is foundational to understanding biology, highlighting the importance of the cell in the context of life itself.