living cells
Metabolizing biological units
Living cells are the basic structural units of organisms, capable of metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
The phrase emphasizes biological activity—distinguishing functional cells from dead tissue or inert matter.
In science writing, living cells require nutrients and oxygen.
The term appears in discussions of medicine, biology, and biotechnology: The vaccine uses weakened living cells to trigger immunity.
- plasma membraneLipid bilayer enclosing cytoplasm
- organismLiving biological entity
- life cycleOrganism's full developmental sequence
- tissueDisposable soft paper
- nucleusCentral controlling part
apoptosis · energy production · protein synthesis · gamete · cytoplasm · mitochondria · endoplasmic reticulum · petri dish · under the microscope · organic matter · homeostasis · ribosome · osmosis · chloroplast · vacuole · genetic inheritance · lysosome · Golgi apparatus