It seems like you are asking about how/why it is possible that a seemingly intelligent being can be made up of unintelligent components. It also seems you are inferring some kind of intelligent design, but I'm not sure --- maybe you are just asking the question with a completely open mind. Lastly, it seems your questions involve consciousness.
Firstly, look at evolution by natural selection. This is an intelligent system, with simple components that seemingly completely explain it. There are artificial life computer programs that behave as expected (albeit in a more simple manner than the complicated world), based on evolutionary theory.
Secondly, the fact that cells seem to be "designed" and work like machines supports the idea that there is no external force or higher power controlling things. If cells behave in a consistent and mechanized manner, then how can a higher power have any effect or relevance on the world? That would necessitate inconsistency. And maybe the only way for a process to exist is if a mechanized system exists to support it. Both evolution and design could cause this, as far as we know. Also, as Nathan said, we glean ideas from life.
Thirdly, the physical world is identifiable and measurable by science while the conscious world is identifiable and measurable by our experience. These two aspects of our world are both... mysterious, if you will. We don't know how they interact. I don't think this is cause for a belief in an animate and distinct higher power.