Cell Theory, Endosymbiosis & Spontaneous Generation

cell theory

fundamental concept of biology that states that 1) all living things are composed of cells; 2) that cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things; and that 3) new cells are produced from existing cells

Robert Hooke

first to observe "small chambers" in cork and call them cells.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

made first simple microscope

Matthew Schleiden

concluded that plants and plant parts are composed of living cells

Theodor Schwann

concluded that all animals are made of cells

Rudolf Virchow

proposed that new cells are formed only from cells that already exist

endosymbiotic theory

theory that eukaryotic cells formed from a symbiosis among several different prokaryotic organisms

eukaryotic cell

cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles

prokaryotic cell

cell that does not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.

symbiosis

A relationship in which two different organisms live in close association with each other

spontaneous generation

Hypothesis stating that life could arise from nonliving matter.

biogenesis

development of life from preexisting life

Francesco Redi

This scientist disproved spontaneous generation by showing that maggots do not spontaneously arise from decaying meat.

Spallanzani's experiment

One of the first to disprove spontaneous generation. An Italian scientist who proved evidence that microorganisms could be killed by boiling.

Louis Pasteur

Evidence that supports the endosymbiotic theory

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have double membranes and their own DNA; Their DNA is a single, circular molecule like that of prokaryotes; Mitochondria are the size of prokaryotic cells