What are cells also known as?

Cells are known as the basic unit of all life because they are the fundamental structural and functional units that make up all living organisms. This concept is central to cell theory, which states that all living things are composed of one or more cells, and that the cell is the smallest unit of life that can carry out all life processes.

The importance of this characterization lies in the various functions that cells perform, including metabolism, replication, and response to the environment, which are essential for sustaining life. Cells not only form the building blocks for more complex structures such as tissues and organs but also carry out vital activities that keep organisms functioning.

In contrast, organ systems refer to groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions, tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a specific function, and compounds are substances formed from two or more elements chemically bonded together. This distinction helps clarify why cells are recognized as the fundamental unit of life.