Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms, acting as the building blocks of life. Cells are responsible for carrying out all life processes, including growth, reproduction, and energy production.
Organelle: Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions necessary for cellular operation and survival.
Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.