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A2.1.2—Cells as smallest units of life

Cells are the smallest self-sustaining living systems because they integrate metabolism, heredity, regulation, and boundary-controlled exchange within one organized unit.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
A2.1.2
Level
HL

Concept essentials

  • A cell integrates the processes needed to maintain a living system.
  • Genetic material alone does not prove that a structure is alive.
  • A lipid boundary alone does not establish life.
  • Metabolism is a necessary feature of living cellular organization.
ConceptIB Biology HL