Why is the cell called the structural and functional unit of life ?
The cell is called as structural and functional unit of a living body.
They are called structural units as they form the structure of the living organism. A tissue is formed by grouping similar cells from the same origin that together carry out a specific function. Organs are then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. Organs combine to form organ system, which further combine to form a organism. So , cell is the basic structural unit for all unicellular and multicellular organisms.
In every cell some basic life process or functions such as digestion , respiration , excretion, etc takes place to keep the organism alive. So ,the cells are called functional unit of life .