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The Cell Theory

The Cell Theory states that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and cells only come from preexisting cells. The Cell Theory was developed over many years by scientists like Hooke, Leuwenhoek, Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow through their observations and experiments with microscopes. The modern Cell Theory adds that cells contain DNA, have similar chemical composition and metabolism, and their functions depend on internal structures like organelles. The basic principles of the Cell Theory form the foundation for medical research and understanding health and disease.

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364 views

The Cell Theory

The Cell Theory states that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and cells only come from preexisting cells. The Cell Theory was developed over many years by scientists like Hooke, Leuwenhoek, Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow through their observations and experiments with microscopes. The modern Cell Theory adds that cells contain DNA, have similar chemical composition and metabolism, and their functions depend on internal structures like organelles. The basic principles of the Cell Theory form the foundation for medical research and understanding health and disease.

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The Cell Theory

Some Random Cell Facts


The average human being is composed
of around 100 Trillion individual cells!!!
It would take as many as 50 cells to
cover the area of a dot on the letter i

WOW!!!

Discovery of Cells

1665- English Scientist, Robert Hooke, discovered


cells while looking at a thin slice of cork.
He described the cells as tiny boxes or a honeycomb
He thought that cells only existed in plants and fungi

Anton van Leuwenhoek

1673- Used a handmade microscope to observe pond


scum & discovered single-celled organisms
He called them animalcules

He also observed blood cells from fish, birds, frogs,


dogs, and humans
Therefore, it was known that cells are found in
animals as well as plants

150-200 Year Gap???

Between the Hooke/Leuwenhoek discoveries


and the mid 19th century, very little cell
advancements were made.
This is probably due to the widely accepted,
traditional belief in Spontaneous Generation.
Examples:
-Mice from dirty clothes/corn husks
-Maggots from rotting meat

Germ Theory of Cells Video


https://docs.google.com/a/dublinschools.net/uc?id=0B5R4IIsuVEzMWhWUzBHVDA0NHM&export=download

th

19 Century Advancement

Much doubt existed around Spontaneous Generation


Conclusively disproved by Louis Pasteur
Pasteur: Ummm, I
dont think so!!!

?
=
+

Development of Cell Theory

1838- German Botanist, Matthias Schleiden,


concluded that all plant parts are made of cells
1839- German physiologist, Theodor Schwann,
who was a close friend of Schleiden, stated that
all animal tissues are composed of cells.

Development of Cell Theory

1858- Rudolf Virchow, German physician,


after extensive study of cellular pathology,
concluded that cells must arise from
preexisting cells.

The Cell Theory Complete

The 3 Basic Components of the Cell Theory


were now complete:

1. All organisms are composed of one or more


cells. (Schleiden & Schwann)(1838-39)
2. The cell is the basic unit of life in all living
things. (Schleiden & Schwann)(1838-39)
3. All cells are produced by the division of
preexisting cells. (Virchow)(1858)

Modern Cell Theory

Modern Cell Theory contains 4 statements, in


addition to the original Cell Theory:

The cell contains hereditary information(DNA) which


is passed on from cell to cell during cell division.
All cells are basically the same in chemical
composition and metabolic activities.
All basic chemical & physiological functions are
carried out inside the cells.(movement, digestion,etc)
Cell activity depends on the activities of sub-cellular
structures within the cell(organelles, nucleus, plasma
membrane)

How Has The Cell Theory Been Used?

The basic discovered truths about cells, listed


in the Cell Theory, are the basis for things
such as:

Disease/Health/Medical Research and Cures(AIDS,


Cancer, Vaccines, Cloning, Stem Cell Research, etc.)

Some Parting Thoughts

It is amazing to think that the cells that make


up our bodies are just as alive as we are.
Humans are just an intricately designed
community of cells, which must work together
to survive

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