Question

Living cells were first discovered by which scientist:

• A. Leeuwenhoek
• B. Robert Hooke
• C. Schwann
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

None of the above.

The correct option is A.

Explanation of correct answer:

1. Anton von Leeuwenhoek was the first one who discovered free-living cells of algae in water in 1674.
2. Anton von Leeuwenhoek invented the compound microscope and was the first to see free-living cells.
3. He observed bacteria, red blood cells, sperms, etc.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Robert Hooke was the first scientist who discovered the cells in the year 1665.
2. He observed small tiny compartments like “honeycomb” in a thin slice of cork, using his self-invented microscope.

Option C:

1. Theodor Schwann is known for his cell theory.
2. M.J. Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, in 1839 proposed a cell theory, according to which, all living beings are made up of cells that arise from pre-existing cells.

Final answer: Living cells were first discovered by scientist Anton von Leeuwenhoek.