Final answer:
The correct order from smallest to largest is: A. electron, neutron, atom, cell. Electrons are smaller than neutrons, both of which are parts of the atom, which is the basic unit of matter. Cells are much larger than atoms and are the basic unit of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
A correct way to organize the items from smallest to largest would be electron, neutron, atom, cell. Therefore, the correct option is A. Electron, neutron, atom, cell. Electrons and neutrons are subatomic particles, with electrons being much smaller than neutrons.
Atoms are composed of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons orbiting around it. Lastly, cells are the basic unit of life and are much larger than atoms since they are composed of many molecules which in turn are formed by atoms.
Considering the hierarchy of biological organization, from least to most complex, we have molecules (such as water molecules), cells (such as skin cells), tissues, organs (like a liver), organisms (like an elephant), populations (like a wolf pack), communities, ecosystems (like tropical rainforests), and finally the biosphere which includes planet Earth.
At the foundational level, we have atomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons, which together form atoms. These atoms then bond to form molecules, which are the building blocks for cells and higher levels of biological organization.