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. They perform essential functions necessary for life, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Each cell acts as a building block for more complex structures, combining to form tissues, which in turn make up organs and ultimately organisms. This means that without cells, there would be no tissues or organs, reinforcing their fundamental role in the biological hierarchy of life.

In contrast, tissues are collections of similar cells working together, organs are groups of tissues that perform specific functions, and organisms are individual living entities made up of multiple organ systems. Therefore, while tissues, organs, and organisms are all important parts of biological systems, they are composed of cells, highlighting the critical role of the cell as the fundamental unit of life.