The term for the basic unit of life is "cell." Cells are the smallest, most fundamental units of living organisms and can exist independently or as part of multicellular organisms. Each cell is encapsulated by a membrane and contains various organelles that perform specific functions vital to life processes. Cells are classified into two main types: prokaryotic, which lack a nucleus (e.g., bacteria), and eukaryotic, which have a nucleus (e.g., animal and plant cells). Understanding cells is crucial for biology, genetics, and medicine, as they are foundational to all life forms and play a central role in the complexities of living systems.