CELL: THE UNIT OF LIFE

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the introductory notes for Cell Biology, covering key scientists and the foundations of cell theory.

Unicellular organisms

Organisms composed of a single cell that are capable of independent existence and performing the essential functions of life.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms composed of many cells, such as humans.

Cell

The fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms; anything less than a complete structure of one does not ensure independent living.

Robert Hooke

The scientist who discovered the first cell in cork.

Anton Von Leeuwenhoek

The first person to see and describe a live cell.

Robert Brown

The scientist who discovered the nucleus.

Electron microscope

An instrument whose improvement revealed all the structural details of the cell.

Matthias Schleiden

A German botanist who, in 1838, observed that all plants are composed of different kinds of cells which form the tissues of the plant.

Theodore Schwann

A British Zoologist who, in 1839, studied animal cells and proposed that the bodies of animals and plants are composed of cells and products of cells.

Plasma membrane

The thin outer layer of animal cells reported by Theodore Schwann.

Cell wall

A unique character of plant cells, as concluded by Theodore Schwann based on his studies on plant tissues.