View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-operating-system-of-life-george-zaidan-and-charles-morton

Humans, octopi and pine trees alike are all made up of cells, tiny but sophisticated systems that keep life going. Cells are almost like tiny factories run by robots, with the nucleus, DNA, proteins, lipids, and vitamins and minerals all playing critical roles. George Zaidan and Charles Morton lay out the blueprint of a cell and explain how biochemistry binds all life together.

Lesson by George Zaidan and Charles Morton, animation by Pew36 Animation Studios.