1. Describe the cell as the fundamental unit of life and explain how cell structure supports various life functions it must carry out?

A living organism conducts self-sustaining biological processes. A cell is the smallest and most basic form of life. Robert Hooke, one of the first scientists to use a light microscope, discovered the cell in 1665. In all life forms, including bacteria, plants, animals, and humans, the cell was defined as the most basic structural and functional unit. Based on scientific observations over the next 150 years, scientists formulated the cell theory, which is used for all living organisms no matter how simple or complex. The cell theory incorporates three principles:

1. Cells are the most basic building units of life. 2. All living things are composed of cells. 3. New cells are made from preexisting cells, which divide into two.