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The cheek cell swabbed in the laboratory is known as a great example of what?

1) Plant cell
2) Animal cell
3) Bacterial cell
4) Fungal cell

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The cheek cell swabbed in the laboratory is a typical example of an animal cell, which is a eukaryotic cell characterized by having a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria, which may be present on the cheek cells, are classified as prokaryotic cells, lacking these complex structures. This is in accordance with the unified cell theory. Option number 2 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cheek cell swabbed in the laboratory is an excellent example of an animal cell. When creating a sketch of the cheek cell, typically referred to as a squamous epithelial cell, it's important to include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, which are the components easily observed under a microscope. Bacteria on or near the cheek cells can also be identified, though it's essential to keep them to scale, as bacterial cells are generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells such as the cheek cell.

Considering the broad classification of cells, animal cells (including human cheek cells) and plant cells are grouped as eukaryotic cells, which contain a nucleus and organelles enclosed within membranes. In contrast, bacterial cells are considered prokaryotic cells, lacking a defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

The unified cell theory, proposed by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann in the 1830s, further supports the idea that all living organisms are composed of cells, and new cells arise from existing cells. This theory still serves as a fundamental principle in biology, emphasizing the role of cells as the basic units of life.

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