Chapter 1, Problem 1.1CC

What evidence led scientists to develop the basic principles of the cell theory? Note how technology played a role in its development.

Summary Introduction

To describe: The evidence that led to the development of the basic principles of the cell theory

Introduction: The origin of cell biology began with the development of the first microscope. It was the first time that humans were able to see what different materials were made of. However, there were limited numbers of resources like lack of high magnification in primitive microscopes. The natures of studies of the observations made were rather descriptive instead of being analytic. It was also unspecific towards characteristic properties of cellular structure observed.

Explanation of Solution

The evidence leading to the development of the basic principles of the cell theory are stated below:

• The observation made by Robert Hook on the cork of the plant led to the discovery of cells. As the cells present in the cork were dead and empty and compartmentalized hence the name cell was given to them.
• The Anton Von Leuwenhoek was the first person to observe the living cells as he developed a better magnifying microscope. He discovered protozoa and algae.
• The discovery of nucleus by Robert Brown in plant cells.
• The Matthias Schleiden conclusion in 1838 about all the plants that they are made up of plant cells.
• The similar conclusion by Theodore Schwann about the animal's cells in 1839.
• The observations made by Karl Nageli about the nature of cell division.
• The Rudolf Virchow observations led to the conclusion “ominins cellula e cellula” (that means all cells arise from preexisting cells)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The role of technology in the development of cell theory.

Introduction: The cell theory was given by Schleiden and Schwann which were based upon their different researches about plants and animals respectively bringing them to a similar conclusion. After a while, Rudolf Virchow helped in the addition of a third conclusion which completed the basis of cell theory which is still applicable in the modern world.

Explanation of Solution

The role of the technology in the development of cell theory is:

• The development of the microscope having a high magnification of 30X led to the discovery of cells.
• The development of high magnifying microscope leads to the discovery of living cells of algae and protozoa.
• The invention and development of high resolution and high magnifying microscopes led to the discovery of the nucleus by Robert Brown.
• The improved microscope provided a magnifying lens and an eye piece to provide a better quality of the magnified image, high resolution, and more magnification power. This led to the development of modern optical compound microscopes.
• The power of compound microscope helped the discovery of all plants and animals that are made up of plant cells by Schleiden and Schwann and development of the cell theory.
• The process of cell division was observed by Karl Nageli and later observations by Rudolf Virchow added to the cell theory that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.