Answer to Question #111685 in English for Felicia Ngubandze

Question

Justify why the cell is the basic unit of life?

Answer 1

A cell is a structural and functionally basic unit of life. The cell possesses the features that are specific for living organisms: growth, development, response to the environment, reproduction, respiration, metabolism (energy and mass exchange), and maintenance of homeostasis. Storing of genetic information, synthesis of proteins, and other organic compounds, their transformation, and modifications take place in cells. Multiple unicellular organisms consist of a single cell and perform all the functions of the living organisms. Multicellular organisms consist of a great number of cells that maintain the structure of the organism and control their function. Moreover, some cells can be separated from the cellular organism and can maintain their metabolism outside the organism. These features confirm the statement that the cell is the basic unit of life.