What is a cell?

Answer 1

Cells are the basic building blocks of living things. Some living things are unicellular (only one cell), but most are multicellular (containing many cells).

In order to be classified as life (a living thing):

1) All life is highly ordered and structured

2) All life reproduces itself

3) All life grows and develops

4) All life takes in and utilizes energy

5) All living things exhibit homeostasis, (which is the ability to maintain a steady internal environment regardless of their external environment)

6) All living things respond to stimuli

7) Finally, all living things adapt to external pressures, and evolve because of them

Viruses, which affect life, are in fact, NOT Living Things

Bacteria, which are some of the simplest and smallest cells, ARE Living Things

Answer 2

Cells are the most basic organisms capable of carrying out all life functions. Cells can be described as prokaryotic, lacking a nucleus, or eukaryotic, having a nucleus. Regardless all cells are composed of four basic structures that include cytoplasm, cell membrane, ribosomes and genetic material.

Answer 3

A cell is the basic building block and biological basis of all living creation. Cells contain many reproductive parts with the ability to multiply themselves; each cell functioning differently. It is the smallest unit of life. Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. They appeared on earth over 3.5 billion years ago.