What are cells referred to in biological terms?

Cells are referred to as the basic units in all living things because they serve as the fundamental building blocks of life. Every living organism, from the simplest bacteria to complex human beings, is composed of cells. These cells perform various functions necessary for sustaining life, including energy production, growth, and reproduction.

While it is true that cells can group together to form tissues, and tissues can further combine to form organs, the defining characteristic of a cell is its existence as the smallest unit that can carry out the processes associated with life. This distinction highlights their role in the structure and function of living organisms at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. Understanding this concept is pivotal in biology and helps explain how life is organized and functions on a fundamental level.