Discovery of Cell Structure

Discovery of Cell

• In 1665, Robert Hooke used his self-designed microscope to observe a thin slice of cork, discovering a honeycomb-like structure made of little compartments, which he called 'cells'.
• The term 'cells' comes from the Latin word 'cella', meaning small rooms.
• Hooke's observations were recorded in his book "Micrographia".

Observations of Living Cells

• In 1674, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek observed living cells, including microbes like bacteria, algae (Spirogyra), and protozoans, which he called 'animalcules'.
• Van Leeuwenhoek is known as the Father of Microbiology.

Cell Theory

• In 1838, Theodore Schwann and Mathias Schleiden formulated the cell theory.
• The key postulates of the cell theory are:
  • All living organisms are made of cells and products of cells.
  • All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Contributions of Rudolf Virchow

• In 1855, Rudolf Virchow discovered the origin of new cells, stating 'Omnis cellula-e-cellula', which means new cells only arise from pre-existing cells.