Question

Cell Theory is the current leading theory that describes life and how life starts. Describe three ideas that make up the cell theory. Name the scientist who published the first statement of the cell theory. What instrument was necessary before the cell theory could be developed?

a) All living organisms are composed of cells.
b) The cell is the basic unit of life.
c) Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
d) Scientist: Theodor Schwann; Instrument: Microscope.

Answer 1

The Cell Theory includes three main ideas: that all living organisms consist of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells come from existing cells. Theodor Schwann is credited with the first statement of the theory, and the microscope was crucial for its development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cell Theory articulates three fundamental concepts regarding living organisms. Firstly, it posits that all living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic building blocks of life. Secondly, it states that the cell is the basic unit of life, functioning as the smallest unit of structure and function in all organisms. Lastly, Cell Theory maintains that cells arise from pre-existing cells, a principle known as biogenesis.

The first clear statement of the Cell Theory was published by German scientist Theodor Schwann, along with his colleague Matthias Jakob Schleiden. Later contributions by Rudolf Virchow rounded out the foundational principles of the theory. The development of the microscope was a necessary technological advancement that made the formulation of the Cell Theory possible, as it allowed scientists to observe cells closely and understand their significance in the context of living organisms.