A cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all known living organisms.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Basic unit of life, structure and function.
- Found in all living organisms.
- Essential for biological study and health.
Overview
细胞（xìbāo）是生物学中最基本的概念之一，指的是构成所有已知生物体的结构和功能单位。从最简单的细菌到最复杂的动植物，它们的生命活动都离不开细胞。细胞是生命活动的基础，所有生命现象，如生长、繁殖、代谢、应激等，都是在细胞内或由细胞集体完成的。细胞可以被看作是微小的“生命工厂”，里面有各种精密的“机器”（细胞器）在协同工作。
在中文语境中，“细胞”通常作为名词使用，指代生物体的基本单位。它经常与描述性的词语一起出现，例如“人体细胞”、“植物细胞”、“癌细胞”、“干细胞”等。在科学、医学和生物学讨论中，“细胞”是核心词汇。在日常生活中，人们也可能用它来比喻事物的基本组成部分，但这种情况相对较少，且通常有明确的语境提示。
**个体 (gètǐ)**: 指一个完整的生物体，可以由一个或多个细胞组成。
“细胞”是最低的层级，是构成生命体的最基本砖块。组织是由细胞构成的，器官是由组织构成的，而个体则是一个完整的生命体。例如，人的皮肤是由皮肤细胞组成的，这些细胞构成皮肤组织，皮肤是人体的一个器官，而人本身就是一个完整的个体。
Examples
人体由数万亿个细胞组成。
everydayThe human body is composed of trillions of cells.
科学家正在研究癌细胞的生长机制。
academicScientists are studying the growth mechanism of cancer cells.
植物的叶片需要进行光合作用来制造养分，这离不开叶肉细胞的活动。
academicPlant leaves need photosynthesis to produce nutrients, which relies on the activity of mesophyll cells.
吸烟会对肺部细胞造成损害。
healthSmoking can damage lung cells.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
细胞学
cytology
细胞分裂
cell division
细胞凋亡
apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Often Confused With
A 'tissue' (组织) is a group of similar cells that perform a specific function, whereas a 'cell' (细胞) is the individual basic unit.
An 'organ' (器官) is a structure made of different tissues working together, which is a higher level of organization than a 'cell' (细胞).
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '细胞' is primarily used in scientific, medical, and biological contexts. While it can be used metaphorically, such usage is less common and requires clear contextual clues. In academic and formal settings, it is the standard term for the biological unit.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'cell' (细胞) with higher levels of biological organization like 'tissue' (组织) or 'organ' (器官). It's important to remember that 'cell' refers to the most fundamental unit of life.
Tips
Think of cells as tiny building blocks.
Cells are the smallest units that make up all living things. Imagine them like LEGO bricks that build up your body and all other plants and animals.
Distinguish cell from organism.
Remember that a cell is just one part of a larger living thing (organism). An organism is made up of many cells working together.
Cell research impacts health.
Understanding cells is crucial for modern medicine, leading to breakthroughs in treating diseases and improving human health.
Word Origin
The Chinese word '细胞' (xìbāo) literally translates to 'fine package' or 'subtle sac'. This reflects the early understanding of cells as small, enclosed units within living organisms.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, like in many others, the study of cells is foundational to understanding health and disease. Medical advancements and public health initiatives often rely on cell biology research.
Memory Tip
Imagine a single, tiny 'cell' phone – it's a basic unit you use, just like a biological cell is the basic unit of life. 'Xìbāo' sounds a bit like 'see, bow', as in, 'See the tiny cell, and bow to its importance!'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions细胞是生物体结构和功能的基本单位。它是最小的、能够独立生存的生命单位，就像是构成我们身体和其他所有生物体的微小积木。
是的，所有已知的生物，无论是单细胞的细菌还是多细胞的动植物，都是由细胞构成的。细胞是生命存在的基础。
细胞的种类非常多，根据生物体和功能的不同，形态和结构也各异。例如，有植物细胞、动物细胞、细菌细胞等，还有专门的如神经细胞、血细胞、肌肉细胞等。
大多数细胞非常微小，肉眼无法直接看到，需要借助显微镜才能观察。但有些特殊的细胞，比如某些真菌的菌丝或者某些生物的卵细胞，在特定情况下可能肉眼可见。
Test Yourself
人体是由无数个______组成的。
细胞是构成生物体的最基本单位，人体由数万亿个细胞组成。
关于“细胞”的说法，哪个是正确的？
细胞是所有生物（包括植物和动物）结构和功能的基本单位，大多数细胞需要显微镜才能看到。
请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：
这个选项准确地表达了细胞作为生物体结构和功能基本单位的定义。
Score: /3
Summary
A cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of all known living organisms.
- Basic unit of life, structure and function.
- Found in all living organisms.
- Essential for biological study and health.
Think of cells as tiny building blocks.
Cells are the smallest units that make up all living things. Imagine them like LEGO bricks that build up your body and all other plants and animals.
Distinguish cell from organism.
Remember that a cell is just one part of a larger living thing (organism). An organism is made up of many cells working together.
Cell research impacts health.
Understanding cells is crucial for modern medicine, leading to breakthroughs in treating diseases and improving human health.
Examples
4 of 4人体由数万亿个细胞组成。
The human body is composed of trillions of cells.
科学家正在研究癌细胞的生长机制。
Scientists are studying the growth mechanism of cancer cells.
植物的叶片需要进行光合作用来制造养分，这离不开叶肉细胞的活动。
Plant leaves need photosynthesis to produce nutrients, which relies on the activity of mesophyll cells.
吸烟会对肺部细胞造成损害。
Smoking can damage lung cells.
