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 are often referred to as the "building blocks of life" because all living things are composed of one or more cells. Within cells, various biochemical processes occur that are essential for maintaining life, including metabolism, energy generation, and reproduction.

In contrast, an atom is the smallest unit of matter and does not perform life-sustaining functions on its own. Tissue, made up of groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function, is a higher level of organization than a single cell. An organ is a structure made up of different types of tissues that work together to perform a specific task, representing yet another level of organization above tissues and cells. Therefore, the cell is fundamentally important as it serves as the foundation from which all living organisms are built and functions occur.