What is the basic unit of life?

• A. Atom
• B. Molecule
• C. Cell
• D. Tissue

Answer: (C)

The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells serve as the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms. They are the smallest entities that can carry out all the necessary processes associated with life, including growth, metabolism, response to stimuli, and reproduction.

Cells can exist as independent organisms, like bacteria, or as part of complex multicellular organisms, where they specialize in different functions. The cellular structure includes various organelles that perform specific activities necessary for the cell's survival and operation.

Atoms and molecules, while essential components of cells, do not have the characteristics of life on their own. An atom is the smallest unit of matter, and a molecule is a combination of atoms. Tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform a specific function, but they are composed of multiple cells rather than being the fundamental unit of life itself. Understanding that the cell is recognized as the basic unit of life is crucial in the study of biology and physiology.