Definition & Meaning of "cell"

Cell

NOUN

an organism's smallest unit, capable of functioning on its own

What is a "cell"?

A cell is the basic structural and functional unit that forms the foundation of all living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life capable of carrying out essential processes, such as metabolism, reproduction, and responding to stimuli. Cells have specialized structures and organelles that enable them to perform specific functions, such as the nucleus containing genetic material, mitochondria producing energy, and the cell membrane regulating the exchange of substances. Together, cells make up various tissues, organs, and systems, working harmoniously to maintain the body's structure, function, and overall health.

a very small enclosed space in which a prisoner is kept

a hand-held mobile radiotelephone for use in an area divided into small sections, each with its own short-range transmitter/receiver

any small compartment

a device that delivers an electric current as the result of a chemical reaction

small room in which a monk or nun lives

a small unit serving as part of or as the nucleus of a larger political movement

Example

Cells are the building blocks of life, with each one containing a complex system of organelles and molecules.

The study of cells, known as cell biology or cytology, delves into their structure, function, and interactions.

The discovery of cells and the development of cell theory by scientists such as Robert Hooke and Theodor Schwann revolutionized our understanding of living organisms.

Cells can be classified into two main categories: prokaryotic cells, lacking a nucleus, and eukaryotic cells, which have a nucleus enclosed within a membrane.