3. Cells are the basic structural and functional unit of life. Explain.

The statement "cells are the basic structural and functional unit of life" highlights the fundamental concept in biology that all living organisms are composed of cells and that cells are the smallest structural and functional units capable of exhibiting the properties of life. This concept is known as the cell theory and is a cornerstone of modern biology. Here's an explanation of why cells are considered the basic units of life:

1. Structural Organization: All living organisms, from simple single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like plants and animals, are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the building blocks of life, and the structural organization of an organism arises from the arrangement and interactions of its constituent cells.

2. Functional Units: Cells perform all the essential functions necessary for life, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and homeostasis. Each cell is capable of carrying out these functions independently, making it a functional unit of life. Even in multicellular organisms, the specialized cells that make up tissues, organs, and organ systems retain the ability to perform specific functions essential for the survival of the organism as a whole.

3. Genetic Material: Cells contain genetic material, such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), that carries the instructions for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of cellular processes. DNA serves as the hereditary material passed from one generation to the next and governs the development, growth, and functioning of cells and organisms.

4. Cell Theory: The cell theory, formulated in the 19th century by scientists such as Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow, states that:

   • All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
   • The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
   • All cells arise from pre-existing cells through the process of cell division.

5. Unity of Life: The cell theory underscores the unity of life, as all living organisms share a common cellular organization and biochemical basis. Whether an organism is a single-celled bacterium or a complex multicellular organism, its essential functions are carried out by cells.

In summary, cells are considered the basic structural and functional unit of life because they are the smallest entities capable of exhibiting the properties of life, including organization, metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and heredity. The cell theory provides a framework for understanding the fundamental properties of living organisms and their underlying cellular basis.