Cell Theory AP Biology

Cell Theory: Discovery of Cells

Unit 2: Cells

Target: I can distinguish the components of the cell theory and cell organelles
Lesson/Activity:
- Pre-Quiz
- Cell Theory Preview Video
- Theory vs. Law Notes
- Scale

ONE CANNOT BECOME THE OTHER!

•Theories are explanations of natural phenomena

•Why something happens

•Explanation of nature

•Based on evidence

•Example: Germ Theory (how diseases are caused)

THEORY

•Laws are verified statements/descriptions of natural phenomenon

•Describes what will happen

•Predicts outcomes

•Based on evidence

•Example: Newton’s Law of Gravity

LAW

​ Theory vs. Law

The Cell Theory

The Cell Theory states that all organisms are composed of similar units of organization called cells.

CURRENT CELL THEORY

Before the Cell Theory people believed in spontaneous generation which means living things came from non-living things.

Two scientists disproved spontaneous generation: Francisco Redi and Louis Pasteur

BEFORE

Development of Cell Theory

​

Multiple Choice

A law can become a theory, but a theory cannot become a law.

• True

• False

All known living things are made up of cells.

The cell is structural & functional unit of all living things.

All cells come from pre-existing cells by division.
(No spontaneous generation ).

​3 Parts of The Cell Theory

Multiple Choice

Which statement is INCORRECT about The Cell Theory?

• All living things come from pre-existing cells

• Cells are the functional and structural units of life

• All living things are made of cells

• Cells are made through spontaneous generation

Match

Match the following cell theory definitions/statments

• Law

• Theory

• Spontaneous Generation

• Cell Theory

description of phenomenon

explanation of phenomenon

living things came from non-living things

all living things are made up of cells

• description of phenomenon

• explanation of phenomenon

• living things came from non-living things

• all living things are made up of cells

Open Ended

What are the three parts of the Cell Theory?