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, responsible for carrying out the essential processes of life. Every living thing, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans, is composed of cells. Each cell operates independently yet can also work in groups to form tissues and organs, which perform specialized functions.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights how life is organized at the microscopic level. While tissues and organs are important components of larger biological systems, they are made up of cells, which serve as the fundamental building blocks. Atoms, although they are the basic units of matter, do not possess the characteristics of life and therefore are not considered units of life.