Cell Theory, Viruses, Endosymbiosis, Prokaryotes – Study Notes from Transcript

Cell Theory

A foundational concept in modern science and medicine, supported by late 1800s breakthroughs, stating that all living things are composed of cells and cell products.

Louis Pasteur

Key figure who disproved spontaneous generation and advanced germ theory through work on microorganisms and sterilization.

Joseph Lister

Pioneered antiseptic techniques in medicine, significantly reducing surgical mortality.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts from ancient prokaryotes, evidenced by their independent DNA, prokaryotic ribosomes, and double membranes, with mitochondrial DNA inherited maternally.

Structure and Function

A central principle in modern biology asserting that the specific structure or arrangement of a biological component dictates its function.