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Question
What is a 'cell'?
Solution 1
A cell is the smallest unit of life. They are the structural, functional and biological units of life. The discovery of cells was first made by Robert Hooke. While examining a section of a cork under the microscope, he observed small compartment-like structures and named them cells. However, Hooke observed dead cells under the microscope, as cork is made up of dead cells. Cells exhibit different types of properties, like:
- It is the smallest living unit of life.
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It is so small that it is invisible to the unaided eye.
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The shape of the cell varies in different organisms and within an organism.
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The size of cells also differs.
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All living cells exhibit certain basic characteristics like respiration, growth, metabolism, etc.
- Cells originate from a pre-existing cell. A mother cell divides to produce daughter cells. Hence, cells exhibit cell division.
Solution 2
The cell is the fundamental, structural and functional unit of a living organism.