content: A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. It is the smallest independently functioning unit in the living organisms, from single-celled microorganisms to complex multicellular organisms like humans. Cells come in various types, but they all share common features, including a cell membrane that encloses the cell, genetic material (DNA or RNA), and the machinery needed to carry out essential life processes. Cells perform vital functions, such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli, and they are the building blocks of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms. The study of cells, known as cell biology, is fundamental to understanding the biology of living organisms.
response: What do you call a biologist’s self-portrait? A cell-fie. (Image: a cell taking a selfie.)