A simple diagram showing a single as a fundamental building block, with arrows pointing to it from 'organism' and 'tissue' to illustrate its foundational role.
All living organisms are composed of one or more s.
s are the smallest structural and functional units of life.
They carry out all essential life processes, from metabolism to reproduction.
The theory states that all living things are made of s, s are the basic unit of life, and all s arise from pre-existing s.
Examiner Tip
Ensure you can define 'cell' accurately, including its key components: cell surface membrane, genetic material (DNA), and cytoplasm with organelles.
The discovery of cells in the 17th century by Robert Hooke, observing cork, marked a pivotal moment in biological science.