Cell Theory and Discovery - General Biology I

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Lesson 2 on Cell Theory and Cell Discovery in General Biology I.

Cell

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms; the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

Cellula

Latin for 'small room'; origin of the word 'cell'.

Microscope

An instrument that enlarges small objects to reveal details not visible to the unaided eye.

Compound Microscope

A microscope using multiple lenses; first developed around 1590 by Hans and Zacharias Janssen.

Robert Hooke

English scientist who coined the term 'cell' after observing cork’s box-like compartments.

Cork

Plant tissue Hooke examined, revealing the first cells.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Dutch scientist known as the Father of Microbiology; built his own microscopes and observed live microorganisms (animalcules).

Animalcules

Microscopic living organisms observed by Leeuwenhoek; protozoa and bacteria.

Matthias Schleiden

German botanist who concluded that all plants are composed of cells; co-founder of cell theory.

Theodor Schwann

German physiologist who concluded that all animals are composed of cells; co-founder of cell theory.

Rudolf Virchow

German physician who proposed omnis cellula e cellula; all cells come from preexisting cells.

Omnis cellula e cellula

Latin phrase meaning 'every cell comes from a pre-existing cell'.

Spontaneous generation

The outdated idea that life can arise from nonliving matter; rejected by cell theory.

Cell Theory

A fundamental biology theory stating that cells are the basic units of life; all living things are made of cells; all cells arise from preexisting cells.

Postulates of Cell Theory

Three statements summarizing cell theory: all living things are made of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells come from preexisting cells.

Postulate 1

All living things are made of at least one cell.

Postulate 2

Cells are the basic unit of life.

Postulate 3

All cells come from preexisting cells.

Cell functions

Life-sustaining roles of cells, including providing structure, facilitating growth, transporting nutrients and wastes, and ensuring continuity of life.