Biology Chapter 1.1: Introduction to Cells

Questions and Answers

What did Robert Hooke observe when he used his crude compound microscope on cork?

Honeycomb-like structures (correct)

Living bacteria

Organelles within cells

Nuclei of cells

Which statement correctly reflects the basic tenets of cell theory prior to the addition of the fourth tenet?

All cells contain the same genetic information.

All living things are composed of cells. (correct)

Cells arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

Cells produce energy through photosynthesis.

What did Anton van Leeuwenhoek contribute to the study of cells?

He discovered the structure of DNA.

He formulated the basic principles of cell theory.

He invented the first optical microscope.

He was the first to view living cells under a microscope. (correct)

Which of the following statements about Hooke's law is true?

It describes the relationship between elastic force and displacement of a spring. Signup and view all the answers

What advancement was made to the original cell theory?

Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher demonstrated that diseased cells can arise from normal cells?

Rudolph Virchow Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is correct regarding the relationship between tissues and cells?

Cells make up tissues and their function is crucial for tissue function. Signup and view all the answers

How did earlier scientists perceive organisms prior to the 1600s?

As indivisible entities without smaller components. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Perspectives on Cell Discovery

Before the 1600s, organisms were viewed as complete entities without separable parts due to limited microscopic technology.
In 1665, Robert Hooke utilized a crude compound microscope to examine cork, discovering honeycomb-like structures he termed "cells," which were actually nonliving, desiccated cells.
Anton van Leeuwenhoek first observed living cells in 1674, marking a significant milestone in cellular biology.
Subsequent research established that tissues are composed of distinct cells, leading to the understanding that tissue function is dependent on cellular function.

Key Contributions and Cell Theory

In 1850, Rudolph Virchow concluded that diseased cells emerge from normal cells within healthy tissues.
Robert Hooke is also known for Hooke’s Law, represented by the equation F = –kx, which defines the relationship between elastic force, spring constant, and spring displacement.
Hooke's Law is related to the broader topic of elastic potential energy, relevant in physics studies.

Cell Theory Development

The original cell theory comprises three key tenets:
- All living organisms are made of cells.
- The cell is the fundamental functional unit of life.
- Cells can only arise from preexisting cells.
A fourth tenet introduced later posits that:
- Cells carry genetic information as DNA, which is inherited from parent to daughter cells.

Viruses and Cell Theory Dilemma

Viruses challenge traditional cell theory as they contain genetic material yet cannot reproduce independently, violating the third and fourth tenets.
Viruses can replicate only by invading host cells and may utilize RNA as their genetic information.
Due to these characteristics, viruses do not qualify as living organisms.

Description

Explore the early perceptions of organisms before the 1600s and the revolutionary impact of Robert Hooke's microscope on the study of biology. This quiz delves into the discovery of cells and the significance of cellular structures in living organisms, comparing them to monasteries' small rooms.