1.5

The origin of cells

Nature of science

  • Testing the general principles that underlie the natural world—the principle that cells only come from pre-existing cells needs to be verified. (1.9)

Understandings

  • Cells can only be formed by division of pre-existing cells.

  • The first cells must have arisen from non-living material.

  • The origin of eukaryotic cells can be explained by the endosymbiotic theory.

Applications

  • Evidence from Pasteur’s experiments that spontaneous generation of cells and organisms does not now occur on Earth.

The Origin of Cells
Think about it louis Pasteur Spontaneous Generation
endosymbiosis.pdf

Endosymbiotic Theory Activity

The Endosymbiotic Theory