Cell Theory

Robert Hooke (1665)

First scientist to observe and draw cork cells. He coined the word “cell” because they looked like small rooms in a monastery.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1676)

First person to observe living cells using a microscope. He observed blood cells, sperm cells, and tiny organisms called animalcules.

Matthias Schleiden (1838)

Scientist who discovered that plants are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann (1839)

Scientist who discovered that animals are made of cells.

Rudolf Virchow (1858)

Scientist who stated that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Cell Theory

The idea that explains the basic role of cells in living organisms

Postulate 1

All living organisms are made of one or more cells.

Postulate 2

The cell is the basic unit of life.

Postulate 3

All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Animalcules

The name Leeuwenhoek gave to the tiny living organisms he observed under his microscope.

Cork Cells

The dead plant cells that Robert Hooke observed when looking at cork.

Schwann Cell

A type of cell associated with nerve fibers, named after Theodor Schwann.

Micrographia

Robert Hooke’s 1665 book where he published drawings and observations of things he saw through a microscope, including cork cells.