The Cell Theory – Lecture Review

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering key people, discoveries, postulates, and applications of cell theory.

In 1665, __ observed cork under a microscope and first described “cells” as tiny boxes.

Robert Hooke

Robert Hooke published his microscopic observations in __.

Micrographia

Using a handmade microscope in 1673, __ discovered single-celled organisms in pond water.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Anton van Leeuwenhoek referred to the microorganisms he observed as __.

animalcules

Van Leeuwenhoek’s work showed that cells are found in __ as well as plants.

animals

The 17th-century belief that life could arise from non-living matter was called __.

spontaneous generation

In 1831, __ identified the cell nucleus in plant cells.

Robert Brown

Matthias Schleiden concluded in 1838 that __ are made of cells.

all plants

Theodor Schwann stated in 1839 that __ are made of cells.

all animals

Schwann noted that both plant and animal cells possess a nucleus and are enclosed by a __.

membrane

In 1858, __ declared “Omnis cellula e cellula,” meaning all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Rudolf Virchow

Classical cell theory postulate 1: All organisms are composed of __.

one or more cells

Classical cell theory postulate 2: The cell is the basic unit of __ in living things.

life

Classical cell theory postulate 3: All cells are produced by the __ of pre-existing cells.

division

The development of __ microscopy (1930s–1950s) revealed detailed cell organelles.

electron

In 1953, __ discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

Watson & Crick

Modern cell theory adds that hereditary information in the form of __ is passed during cell division.

DNA

Modern cell theory states that all cells are basically the same in __ composition.

chemical

Modern cell theory states that all __ flow (metabolism) occurs within cells.

energy

Cancer is understood as uncontrolled __ of cells.

division

Stem cell therapy relies on stem cells’ ability to __ and differentiate into various cell types.

divide

The gene-editing technology __ modifies DNA inside cells to treat genetic disorders.

CRISPR

In agriculture, __ culture allows entire plants to grow from a few cells.

tissue

Developmental biology studies how an organism develops from a single __ cell.

fertilized