A cell is the basic unit of all organisms. It is the smallest structural and functional unit of life. Cells can exist as single-celled organisms or as part of a multicellular organism. They contain all the necessary components to carry out the processes of life, such as metabolism, reproduction, and response to stimuli. Cells can vary in size, shape, and function depending on the organism they belong to. They are responsible for the growth, development, and maintenance of an organism.