The basic units of living matter are

• A. Cells
• B. Protoplasm
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cytoplasm

Answer: (A)

Cells are the basic units of living matter. They are the smallest units that can carry out all life processes, from metabolism to reproduction, and everything living is organized around them. Protoplasm refers to the living content inside a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, but it isn’t the smallest unit of life. The nucleus is the control center containing genetic material, essential for directing activities but not the unit that carries out all life processes on its own. Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell where many activities occur, yet the organizing unit that brings these activities together is the cell itself.