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Cell

A cell is the smallest structural unit of life enclosed by a membrane.

Cells are classified into prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do not have any membrane-enclosed organelles. In contrast, eukaryotic cells typically have the nucleus containing genetic material composed of DNA and cytoplasm composed of cytosol and various organelles.

Public domain image of an animal cell diagram

Diagram of a typical animal cell.



Definitions in the literature

  • The structural and functional unit of most living organisms [1].
  • the smallest unit of life, consisting at a minimum, of an outer membrane that encloses a watery medium containing organic molecules, including genetic material composed of DNA [2].
  • smallest unit of life; at minimum, consists of plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA [3].

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