What term denotes the smallest unit of life that can perform all life functions?

• A. Cells
• B. Sun
• C. Microorganism
• D. Terminator

Answer: (A)

Life functions are carried out by cells, the smallest unit of life capable of performing all the processes that define living organisms. A cell can take in nutrients, convert them into energy, grow, respond to its environment, and reproduce. In multicellular organisms, many cells work together to keep the organism alive, but a single cell on its own can carry out the essential life functions. The Sun isn’t alive and can’t perform life processes. A microorganism is alive and may be a single cell or a collection of cells, but the term that denotes the smallest unit that can carry out all life functions is the cell. A Terminator is a fictional machine and not a living unit.