Reading about cells

Building Blocks of Life 

All living things are made of cells. Since I am alive, I am made of 

cells. Cells are the building blocks of all living things. They are the start of 

all life and continue growing and dividing all through life. My body makes 

over a billion new cells every minute. Some of these new cells replace others 

that have died, like my skin cells that are always dying and being replaced as 

I wash my hands. Some of the new cells replace injured cells when we are 

ill or hurt. Some new cells are needed as we grow. 

Human cells are too small to be seen with our eyes. Microscopes 

must be used to see our cells. Scientists and doctors study our cells using a 

microscope. 

Cells are different shapes and sizes. Human cells grow into the 

shapes and sizes needed for the different parts of my body. Some cells are 

needed for my blood. Other types of cells are needed for my bones, 

muscles, and skin. Every part of my body is made of the special type cell 

needed for that part of my body. 

Not all of our cells are still alive. Our hair, fingernails, and skin all 

have cells that were once alive but as they divided and grew, they no longer 

could get the nutrition needed to stay alive. That is why it doesn’t hurt to get 

haircuts. 

I began as one single cell, which has grown and divided until they 

have made me what I am today. No wonder cells are called the building 

blocks of life.


ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:
1. How many cells does my body make every minute?
2 Who studies our cells?
3 Why does my body need to make new cells?
4 The sentence " That is why it doesn´t hurt to get haircuts" is a detail supporting what fact?
5 What are my bones made of?
6 What shape are blood cells?
7 What shape are muscle cells?