Cell Theory and Cell Structure Worksheet

Which scientist is credited with formally stating the third and final universally accepted postulate of the modern Cell Theory, which is “Omnis cellula e cellula” (All cells come from pre-existing cells)?

• Theodor Schwann

• Robert Hooke

• Matthias Schleiden

• Rudolf Virchow

What was the central, fundamental claim of the disproven theory of Spontaneous Generation that scientists like Francesco Redi and Louis Pasteur sought to refute?

• That all living organisms are made of cells.

• That complex life forms could arise rapidly from non-living matter.

• That microbes could be sterilized through heating.

• That the structure of a cell is governed by its nucleus.

Regardless of whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic, plant or animal, which of the following structures is always present and encloses the cell's contents?

• Cell wall

• Nucleus

• Plasma membrane

• Chloroplast

Which of the following structures is a key distinguishing feature of plant cells and is typically absent in animal cells?

• Cytoskeleton

• Golgi apparatus

• Centrioles

• Cell wall

The process of mitosis results in daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and contain the same number of chromosomes. If a human somatic cell with 46 chromosomes undergoes mitosis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell possess?

• 46 chromosomes

• A variable number of chromosomes

• 23 chromosomes

• 92 chromosomes

This stage of cell division is characterized by the alignment of all chromosomes along the cell's equatorial plate, preparing for separation. Which phase of mitosis is represented in the diagram?

• Anaphase

• Prophase

• Metaphase

• Telophase

Which phrase correctly defines passive transport across the cell membrane?

• Movement of substances that requires the hydrolysis of ATP

• Bulk transport of macromolecules into the cell via vesicle formation

• Movement of substances down the concentration gradient without the expenditure of cellular energy

• Movement of substances up or against the concentration gradient

What term is used to describe the specific process of water molecules moving across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration?

• Facilitated Diffusion

• Simple Diffusion

• Osmosis

• Active Transport

The second postulate of the classical Cell Theory states that the cell is the basic unit of structure and function in all known living things. What is the most accurate interpretation of the word 'function' in this context?

Which statement best summarizes the core conflict between the older theory of Spontaneous Generation and the modern principle of Biogenesis?

• Spontaneous Generation was based on observation, but Biogenesis relies entirely on testable, theoretical prediction.

• Spontaneous Generation claimed air was required, but Biogenesis suggests life could only arise in a vacuum.

• Spontaneous Generation claimed life arose from non-living matter; Biogenesis states that life only arises from pre-existing life.

• Spontaneous Generation applied only to visible animals, whereas Biogenesis focuses exclusively on microorganisms.