Cell Theory Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering the general functions of the cell, the historical development of cell theory, and its three primary principles.

Cell

The structural and functional unit of life that, when combined, performs functions necessary for life.

Homeostasis

An organism’s ability to keep a constant internal state.

Regulation of Internal Environment

A general function of the cell involving maintenance of specific conditions, such as perspiration for cooling or shivering to generate metabolic heat.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in the bonds present in food molecules, which cells convert into more usable forms to perform functions.

Responsiveness

A cell's ability to determine changes and decide necessary responses to maintain normal internal conditions, such as skin tanning in response to UV radiation.

Protection and Support

A function where cells like immune cells protect against pathogens and foreign bodies that enter circulation.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Cells maintain a high ratio ($SA:Vol$) to ensure adequate nutrient intake and prevent the accumulation of high concentrations of wastes.

Zacharias Janssen ($1585\text{--}1632$)

The scientist who invented the first primitive microscope.

Robert Hooke ($1635\text{--}1703$)

The scientist who observed cork cells under a microscope.

Francesco Redi ($1626\text{--}1697$)

The scientist who disproved the spontaneous generation theory.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek ($1632\text{--}1723$)

The scientist who observed microorganisms by using his own practical microscope.

Matthias Schleiden ($1804\text{--}1881$)

The scientist who proposed that all plants are composed of cells.

Theodor Schwann ($1810\text{--}1882$)

The scientist who proposed that all animals are composed of cells.

Rudolf Virchow ($1821\text{--}1902$)

The scientist who proposed that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Cell Theory Principle 1

Every living organism consists of one or more cells, which may be unicellular or multicellular.

Cell Theory Principle 2

The cell is the fundamental unit of life and is the smallest structural and functional unit in all organisms.

Cell Theory Principle 3

Cells come from pre-existing cells and contain hereditary material which they pass to their daughter cells when they divide.

Unicellular

A term describing an organism consisting of a single cell.

Multicellular

A term describing an organism consisting of multiple cells based on their level of complexity.