Introduction Cells are the basic units of life because they are the smallest structural and functional units of all living things . Building blocks Cells are the fundamental building blocks of all organisms whether they are made up of one cell like bacteria or many cells like humans . Independent existence Cells can replicate themselves independently and carry out all the vital functions for living such as nutrition, respiration, excretion, transportation, and reproduction. Structure Cells are surrounded by a cell membrane, which acts as a clear boundary between the cell's internal and external environments. Discovery of cell The English scientist Robert Hooke, in 1665, observed a tiny empty space in his glass bottom, which looked like a cell, so he named it cell as it looked like a bee's cell, which membrane was made of cellulose. Robert Hook published his work in his book micrographia.Robert Hook is called the father of cytology. Cell theory Cell th...