Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 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.
Related terms
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.