Question

Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden are credited for their contributions to the cell theory, claiming that both animals and plants are made from one single, fundamental unit, the cell. In the mid 1800s, the question of how cells formed was controversial. Schleiden and Schwann favored a physio-chemical explanation for cell reproduction. Schwann wrote that cells were formed by crystallization of inanimate material inside the cell. In this hypothesis, new cellular material is not created from preexisting cells. Instead, a new nucleus of a cell attaches to the preexisting cells. Cytoplasm is formed and a cellular membrane forms around the cytoplasm-nucleus complex. This process depends on a pre-existing lattice network of cells that can function as a site of nucleation. Is this idea supported by cell theory?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Not sure

Answer 1

Theodor Schwann's hypothesis of cell formation by crystallization is not supported by modern cell theory, which states that new cells arise only from preexisting cells. The correct option is b )NO

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothesis that Theodor Schwann presented about cells being formed by crystallization of inanimate material inside the cell is not supported by cell theory as it stands today. The modern cell theory, strongly influenced by the later work of Rudolf Virchow, states that new cells arise only from preexisting cells. This means that the cell theory does not support the idea of spontaneous generation of cells from non-living material or a pre-existing lattice network of cells functioning as a site of nucleation. Instead, cell division is the process by which new cells are formed, carrying on the genetic material from the parent cells. In summary, the answer to the student's question about the Schwann hypothesis being supported by cell theory is option 2) No.