Exploring the History of Cell Theory

Who is known as the "Father of Microbiology" and contributed to the development of cell theory by improving the microscope?

• Robert Hooke

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek

• Matthias Schleiden

• Theodor Schwann

Answer explanation

Anton van Leeuwenhoek is known as the "Father of Microbiology" for his pioneering work in improving the microscope, which allowed him to discover and describe microorganisms, contributing significantly to cell theory.

Which scientist coined the term "cell" after observing the structure of cork under a microscope?

• Rudolf Virchow

• Louis Pasteur

• Robert Hooke

• Albert Einstein

Answer explanation

Robert Hooke coined the term "cell" in 1665 after observing cork under a microscope. He noted the small, box-like structures, which reminded him of the cells inhabited by monks, leading to the term's introduction.

What is the main idea of the cell theory?

• Cells can only be found in plants.

• All living things are made of cells, and cells are the basic unit of life.

• Cells are only found in animals.

• Cells are made of atoms.

Answer explanation

The main idea of cell theory is that all living things are composed of cells, which serve as the fundamental building blocks of life. This makes the correct choice "All living things are made of cells, and cells are the basic unit of life."

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Which two scientists are credited with the development of the first two tenets of the cell theory?

• Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton

• Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann

• Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel

• Louis Pasteur and Rudolf Virchow

Answer explanation

Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann are credited with formulating the first two tenets of cell theory, which state that all living organisms are composed of cells and that the cell is the basic unit of life.

Who proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, completing the cell theory?

• Robert Brown

• Rudolf Virchow

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek

• Gregor Mendel

Answer explanation

Rudolf Virchow proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, which completed the cell theory. This principle emphasizes that new cells are formed only from existing cells, a key concept in biology.