cell theory

Question 1

What are the three main points of the Cell Theory?

Answer 1

1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization of organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Question 2

Who is credited with inventing the first compound microscope?

Answer 2

Zacharias Janssen, a Dutch spectacle maker, is credited with inventing the first compound microscope (and telescope), although this claim is disputed.

Question 3

What did Anton van Leeuwenhoek discover?

Answer 3

Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed various materials, including dental plaque, and discovered ‘animalcules’ (now known as bacteria).

Question 4

What term did Robert Hooke first use?

Answer 4

Robert Hooke first used the term ‘cell’ when observing cork under a microscope because it reminded him of the cells in which monks slept in monasteries.

Question 5

What did Matthias Schleiden discover?

Answer 5

Matthias Schleiden discovered that all plants are composed of cells.

Question 6

What did Theodor Schwann contribute to cell theory?

Answer 6

Theodor Schwann discovered that all animals are made of cells and invented rebreathers for firefighters.

Question 7

What is Rudolph Virchow known for?

Answer 7

Rudolph Virchow proved that cells arise from pre-existing cells with the phrase ‘Omnis cellula e cellula’.

Question 8

Who was Robert Remak?

Answer 8

Robert Remak was a Jewish scientist whose research on the origin of cells was appropriated by Rudolph Virchow.

Question 9

What is a microscope?

Answer 9

A microscope is a device for magnifying small objects.

Question 10

What does the term ‘animalcules’ refer to?

Answer 10

‘Animalcules’ is an old name for microorganisms, especially bacteria, as first described by Leeuwenhoek.

Question 11

What is a cell?

Answer 11

A cell is the basic building block of life.

Question 12

What is free-cell formation?

Answer 12

Free-cell formation is the erroneous theory that cells arise spontaneously.

Question 13

What was the Hooke-Newton dispute about?

Answer 13

The Hooke-Newton dispute involved Hooke claiming that Newton was inspired by his own research in physics, which Newton denied.

Question 14

What happened to Robert Remak’s research?

Answer 14

Rudolph Virchow appropriated Robert Remak’s research on the origin of cells.