The cell is the basic unit of life and consists of a nucleus surrounded by a plasma membrane and cytoplasm containing various organelles. Robert Hooke discovered cells in 1665 and observed that they resembled the rooms inhabited by monks. The cell theory states that all living things are composed of cells, cells come only from preexisting cells, and cells contain hereditary information to direct their functions and reproduction. Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together, while organs are composed of multiple tissue types grouped to perform specific functions.