Microorganisms were unknown before the invention of improved microscopes, and human beings were believed to be the fundamental building blocks of life. Early scientists could observe cells and make assumptions about what they witnessed. It is rarely possible to know how a cell operates under a microscope.
This theory is based on the observation that all microscopically observed organisms can be easily separated into various distinct cells. Some cells, like a frog egg, are enormous. Some bacterial cells, for example, are so tiny that we can hardly detect them under a standard light microscope.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- History and Contributions
- Parts of Cell Theory
- Cell Types
- Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Definition
A postulated and widely accepted hypothesis of how most life on Earth operates is known as the “cell theory.” The hypothesis states that cells comprise all organisms. Organs, tissues, and organisms are made up of groups of cells. These are the fundamental assumptions of cell theory.
The modern iteration of the cell theory consists of the following concepts:
- Energy moves through cells.
- DNA is transferred from cell to cell, carrying genetic information.
- All cells share the same primary chemical makeup.
In addition to cell theory, the fundamental precepts that serve as the basis for studying life include evolution, homeostasis, gene theory, and the laws of thermodynamics.
History and Contributions
Magnification technology progressed to the point that it could be used to find cells due to ongoing advances in microscopes. Robert Hooke is usually credited with making this discovery, which launched cell biology as a field of study. Under the scope, he could discern pores in a piece of cork.
Schleiden and Schwann first proposed the cell theory, which was later modified by Rudolf Virchow. Since the discovery of the first cells, cell theory has evolved and grown, and many amazing experiments have been designed to demonstrate its many components.
Parts of Cell Theory
There are three main postulates of cell theory are as follows:
- First, cells make up all living things.
- Second, cells are the basic building blocks for developing tissues, organs, and fully developed living creatures.
- The third, and maybe most crucial, aspect of the hypothesis is that cells can only develop from other cells.
Thus, all living things begin as individual cells. These cells multiply, divide through mitosis, and eventually form multicellular organisms. Mitosis is a type of cell division that yields identical cells. When mixed signals are applied to these cells, they can differentiate to form various tissues and organs. This is the process used to produce enormous, complex organisms. However, when a single-celled organism divides, the cells split into two new organisms. This process of reproduction is asexual.
Cell Types
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes are generally small cells that are enclosed by the plasma membrane. Depending on the species, they have a distinctive cell wall, varying in composition. Prokaryotes do not contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They possess circular or linear DNA. The chromosomal area and the cytoplasm are found in the protoplasm of prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are divided into two domains: archaea and bacteria.
Eukaryotes
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, organelles, and a plasma membrane surrounding them. Eukaryotic cells evolved particular organelles, parts of the cell that have a specific function. These organelles include the endoplasmic reticulum, which sorts and bundles proteins; the mitochondria, which provide energy; and chloroplasts, found in plants and produce food from sunlight and carbon dioxide.
Related Link:Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Examples
Single-celled Organisms
Cell theory can be well understood by looking at single-celled species. Modern microscopes made it simple to observe and study cell theory mechanisms. Placing a drop of pond water under a microscope provides an excellent opportunity to observe the application of the cell theory.
Plants
Cells were first observed in plants. Plants may maintain their rigidity because of the sizeable cell walls. The first person to identify cells was Robert Hooke, who used a simple microscope focused on a thin cork slice. He assumed that the structures were exclusive to plant tissues. Cell theory was not widely recognised by science until the 1840s.
Animals
Scientist Theodor Schwann produced evidence in 1839 demonstrating that animals were made up of several cell types. Compared to earlier scientists, modern microscopy techniques give scientists a more complete and accurate image of cells.
Every cell in the human body is a different type of cell. According to cell theory, each of these cells originated from the zygote, a single cell produced upon the fertilisation of an egg by a sperm. Then, this cell multiplies, divides, and starts differentiating into the various types of cells that make up the human body. A fully developed organism is eventually formed.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Mention the principle theories of cells.
- Every living thing consists of one or more cells.
- Cells are the primary functional and structural component of all life.
- Every cell develops from a preceding cell.
