Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
What is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms?
Tissue
Cell
Organ
System
The correct answer is: Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms is the cell. Cells are the smallest units that can perform all life processes, making them essential for the organization of all living things. Each cell is capable of carrying out various functions vital for life, such as metabolism, energy production, growth, and reproduction. In multicellular organisms, cells can specialize and form tissues, which then combine to create organs. Organs further group into systems that perform even more complex functions. However, at the fundamental level, no other unit can replace the cell's role in maintaining life and contributing to the organism's overall health. This understanding is key in biology and various fields related to human health and medicine, as any dysfunction at the cellular level can lead to diseases.