Final answer:
The basic structural unit of life is the cell, consisting of cytoplasm enclosed by the plasma membrane, containing DNA and various organelles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic structural unit of life is the cell which is made up of cytoplasm (a gelatin-like substance) surrounded by a thin membrane known as the plasma membrane. Cells are the foundation of all living organisms, encapsulating the necessary components for life's processes.
Within the cytoplasm, various structures, such as the nucleus and organelles like ribosomes, are suspended, all of which perform different functions essential to the cell's survival. The genetic material of the cell is contained within DNA which is found in the nucleus, and the plasma membrane acts as a barrier, regulating the entry and exit of substances.