Answer :
Answer: cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life
Explanation:Cells are the fundamental units of life, serving as the basic building blocks of all living organisms. They come in various shapes and sizes, from microscopic bacteria to complex human cells. Each cell is enclosed by a membrane that regulates the passage of materials between the cell and its environment. Within this membrane, cells contain genetic material, either in the form of DNA or RNA, which carries instructions for cellular functions and inheritance.
Cells can be broadly categorized into two types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, lack a distinct nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. In contrast, eukaryotic cells, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, have a nucleus that houses the genetic material and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. These organelles perform specific functions crucial for the cell's survival and metabolism.
Cells carry out a wide range of functions necessary for life, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. They can exist as single-celled organisms or as part of a multicellular organism, where different types of cells specialize in specific tasks to support the organism as a whole. The study of cells, known as cell biology or cytology, is essential for understanding life processes, diseases, genetics, and evolution.