Biology SOL Unit 3.1 - Cell Theory

Which of the following statements is NOT part of the Cell Theory?

• All living things are composed of cells.

• Cells are the basic unit of life.

• All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• Cells can exist without any structure or function.

Answer explanation

The statement 'Cells can exist without any structure or function' is NOT part of the Cell Theory, as all cells must have structure and function to be considered living entities.

Who first observed "small boxes" in cork under a microscope and called them cells?

• Robert Hooke

• Rudolf Virchow

• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

• Theodor Schwann

Answer explanation

Robert Hooke first observed small boxes in cork under a microscope in 1665 and named them 'cells'. His work laid the foundation for cell theory, distinguishing him from other scientists like Virchow and Leeuwenhoek.

(a)   proposed that new cells arise only from pre-existing cells through cell division.

• Rudolf Virchow

• Matthias Schleiden

• Robert Hooke

• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Answer explanation

Rudolf Virchow proposed that all new cells come from existing cells through cell division, encapsulating the principle of biogenesis. This idea is foundational in cell theory, distinguishing him from other scientists listed.

What is the basic unit of life according to the Cell Theory?

• Cell

• Tissue

• Organ

• Organism

Answer explanation

According to the Cell Theory, the cell is the fundamental unit of life. It is the smallest structure capable of performing all life processes, making 'Cell' the correct answer.

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Which of the following best describes Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s contribution to cell biology?

• He discovered blood cells, spermatozoa, and unicellular organisms.

• He proposed that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

• He concluded that all plants are made of cells.

• He observed "small boxes" in cork.

Answer explanation

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is best known for his discoveries using a microscope, including blood cells, spermatozoa, and unicellular organisms, which significantly advanced the field of cell biology.

What does the principle 'omnis cellula e cellula' mean?

• All cells come from cells.

• All living things are made of tissues.

• Cells are the smallest unit of matter.

• Cells can form spontaneously.

Answer explanation

The principle 'omnis cellula e cellula' translates to 'all cells come from cells,' emphasizing that new cells arise from the division of existing cells, not spontaneously or from non-cellular matter.

Which TWO scientists independently concluded that all plants and animals are composed of cells?

• Matthias Schleiden

• Robert Hooke

• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

• Theodor Schwann

Answer explanation

Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann independently concluded that all plants and animals are composed of cells, forming the basis of the cell theory. Robert Hooke discovered cells, while Antonie van Leeuwenhoek studied them.

What is one significance of the Cell Theory?

• It provides a foundational understanding of the structure and function of all living organisms.

• It explains the process of photosynthesis.

• It describes the structure of DNA.

• It defines the laws of inheritance.

Answer explanation

The Cell Theory is significant because it establishes that all living organisms are composed of cells, providing a fundamental understanding of their structure and function, which is essential for biology.

Which THREE of the following fields has cell theory been a cornerstone for research in?

• Microbiology

• Cell Biology

• Genetics

• Zoology

Answer explanation

Cell theory is fundamental in Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics as it explains the structure and function of cells, which are the basic units of life and heredity.

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How does cell theory help explain the behavior of organisms?

• It explains how organisms grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment.

• It explains how organisms migrate and hibernate.

• It explains how organisms photosynthesize and respire.

• It explains how organisms form fossils.

Answer explanation

Cell theory states that all living organisms are made of cells, which explains how they grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. This foundational concept connects cellular processes to the overall behavior of organisms.

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