Question

Scientifically, at what point does a cell or cells become a living thing

Answer 1

For something to be considered it must meet these requirements.

Be made of cells.
Able to obtain and use energy.
Able to grow and develop.
Able to reproduce.
Able to respond to their environment.
Able to adapt to their environment.

If something follows one or just a few of the rules listed above, it does not necessarily mean that it is living. To be considered alive, an object must exhibit all of the characteristics of living things. Sugar crystals growing on the bottom of a syrup container is a good example of a nonliving object that displays at least one criteria for living organisms.