The Cell

biology · tiny · building blocks · life

Little rooms. The word 'cell' comes from the Latin word for 'small room.' They're the basic building blocks of all living things.

Too small to see. Most cells are so tiny you need a microscope to spot them. You're made of trillions of them!

Genetic material inside. Each cell holds genetic material that acts like an instruction book telling it how to work.

They make copies. Most cells can split and replicate, which is how living things grow and repair themselves.

Super ancient. Cells first appeared on Earth about four billion years ago, long before any animals or plants.