04 - The Cell Theory
04 - The Cell Theory
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Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
We can demonstrate an understanding of the postulates of the cell theory.
We can demonstrate an understanding of the postulates of the cell theory.
The cell theory
The cell theory
Scientists have developed what we call the cell theory. The cell theory states the following:
All living things are made of cells.
Cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things.
Living cells come only from other living cells.
Onion skin cells under a microscope
What is a cell?
What is a cell?
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. In fact, the human body is composed of trillions of cells. Cells provide structure for the body, take in nutrients from food, convert nutrients into energy and carry out specialized functions. Cells also contain the body’s hereditary material and can make copies of themselves.
A cell is the smallest unit of living matter there is. Each cell must be able to carry out the processes of life. Within cells, there are structures that work together to allow the cell to live. Some structures transport materials throughout the cells and other structures make food and others release energy for the cell to use.
Cells are different for different organisms. Animal cells are different from plant cells. This is because plants have needs that animals do not have. An example of a need would be the need to grow up from the ground. Plant cells have parts that meet those needs.
Robert Hooke's microscope used to few cells
How did cells get discovered?
How did cells get discovered?
The discovery of the cell was made possible through the invention of the microscope.
In first century BC, Romans were able to make glass and discovered that objects appeared to be larger under glass.
The cell was first discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. Hooke discovered a multitude of tiny pores that he named cells. What Hooke observed were actually empty cell walls of plant tissues. He did not think that cells were alive.
However, years later another man named Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovered that cells were actually living organisms.
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