Cell Theory Lesson 1: Introduction to Cytology

Cell Theory and Its Contributors

• Cell theory is foundational in biology, stating all organisms consist of cells, which are the structural and functional units of life.
• Robert Hooke is recognized as the discoverer of the cell, coining the term "cell" from looking at cork in 1665 using a microscope.
• His publication, Micrographia, was the first major release of the Royal Society and is notable for generating public interest in microscopy.

Key Contributors to Cell Theory

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, is known as the "Father of Microbiology" for his improvements to the microscope and discovery of single-cell organisms, termed "animalcules."
• Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist, discovered the nucleus within plant cells and described Brownian movement, the random motion of particles in a fluid.
• Matthias Jakob Schleiden, a German botanist, asserted that all plant tissues are composed of cells and that every plant arises from a single cell.
• Theodor Schwann, a German zoologist, proposed that all animal tissues are composed of cells and identified structural similarities between plant and animal cells.

Modern Cell Theory

• Cells emerge from pre-existing cells through division, establishing that energy flow (metabolism) occurs within cells.
• Cells hold hereditary information (DNA) that is transmitted during cellular division.

Historical Context

• The first compound microscope, attributed to Zacharias Janssen, was created around 1595, with early magnifications ranging from 3X to 9X.
• Notable microorganisms identified by van Leeuwenhoek include Actinophrys, Amoeba, Paramecium, and various other "animalcules," showcasing the diversity of cellular life.

Two Basic Tenets of Cell Theory

• All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
• The cell is the basic structural unit of all organisms.

Classification of Living Organisms

• The modern understanding divides organisms into two primary domains: bacteria and archaea, reflecting the cellular composition of life.

Explore the foundations of cell biology in this quiz based on Lesson 1, focusing on Cell Theory and the contributions of Robert Hooke. Understand key terminology and concepts that shape our understanding of cells and their significance in biological sciences.