Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.
Cell: The Basic Unit of life: All living organisms are composed of small, tiny structures or compartments called cells. These cells are called the ‘building blocks’ of life. The cells in true sense are considered as the basic unit of life because all the life processes i.e., metabolism, responsiveness, reproduction are carried out by the cells. Respiration, nutrition, release of energy for the body are carried out within the cells only. Even the animals and plants reproduce because the cells reproduce individually. Growth occurs because cell grow and multiply. In Amoeba all the life processes are performed within the boundaries of the single cell. This is true of all other multicellular organisms. The only difference in the multicellular organisms is that the body of these organisms is made up of many cells. In these organisms, the cell do not behave independently but get organized into tissues. Each tissue is specialized to perform specific functions. Different tissues then get organised into tissues. Each tissue is specialized to perform specific functions. Different tissues then get organised into organs which perform certain specific functions. Different organs are finally organised to form organ systems. Now it must be very clear that the basic structure to tissues, organs and organ system are the cells only. These tissues, organs and organ system of the organisms work because the cells work. Thus “the cells are structural and functional unit of the living beings” hence it is the basic unit of life.
