What is the basic unit of all living things?

The basic unit of all living things is the cell. Cells are the building blocks of life, serving as the fundamental structural and functional units of all organisms. They are capable of carrying out essential life processes, which include metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.

Cells can exist as independent entities, such as in unicellular organisms like bacteria, or they can make up complex multicellular organisms, such as plants and animals. In the context of biological organization, cells combine to form tissues, which in turn form organs, and eventually entire organ systems. This hierarchical structure illustrates the importance of cells as the foundational units that contribute to the overall functioning of living organisms.

While atoms are the smallest units of elements and are crucial for forming molecules, they do not represent the basic unit of life. Similarly, tissues and organs are made up of cells, making cells the primary and most fundamental unit in any living organism.