Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 5 - Cells: The Working Units of Life - 5.1 - Cells Are the Fundamental Units of Life - 5.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 85: 1

Answer

As the smallest unit of life, cells maintain all of the principles that define life. They have the ability to metabolize organic compounds with mitochondria, replicate their own genetic material in the form of RNA or DNA, and undergo various stages of growth and development, referred to as the cell cycle. In addition, cells have specialized organelles and maintain a state of homeostasis, which is facilitated by their membrane layer.

Work Step by Step

As the smallest unit of life, cells maintain all of the principles that define life. They have the ability to metabolize organic compounds with mitochondria, replicate their own genetic material in the form of RNA or DNA, and undergo various stages of growth and development, referred to as the cell cycle.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.