Definition(s)
- The smallest units of living structure capable of independent existence, composed of a membrane-enclosed mass of protoplasm and containing a nucleus or nucleoid. Cells are highly variable and specialized in both structure and function, though all must at some stage replicate proteins and nucleic acids, utilize energy, and reproduce themselves.
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Definition from: Unified Medical Language System
(NCI Thesaurus)
at the National Library of Medicine
- The basic unit of any living organism. It is a small, watery, compartment filled with chemicals and a complete copy of the organism's genome.
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Definition from: Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms
from the National Human Genome Research Institute
Related discussion in the Handbook
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.