What structural and functional attributes must a cell have to be called a living cell ?

Explanation

(i) Must be formed of a mass of protoplasm bounded by a plasma membrane which may be covered by a cell wall.
(ii) Protoplasm must have incipient or true nucleus with one or more chromosomes which contain DNA.
(iii) Cytoplasm must have at least some sub-cellular organelles e.g. ribosomes., Cytoplasm is the main site of metabolic functions.
(iv) Must be capable of independent existence especially in unicellular organisms.
(v) Must be capable of performing all metabolic func tions of life e.g. growth, irritability, responsiveness, reproduction, etc.