Final answer:
The widely accepted points of cell theory include that cells are the basic unit of life, all living organisms are made up of cells, and cells originate from other cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three points of the cell theory still widely accepted today are:
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- Cells can only be produced by other cells.
These concepts are fundamental to understanding how life operates on the most basic level. Each point is backed by extensive scientific observation and research. To elaborate:
- Cells are considered the smallest unit that can carry out all activities of life, making them the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
- Whether an organism is single-celled, like bacteria, or multi-celled, like humans, cells make up their structure and are pivotal to their functions.
- The principle that cells give rise to other cells was first postulated by Rudolf Virchow, highlighting that cell division is the process by which cells multiply, ensuring the continuity of life.