Question

Describe the shortcomings of cell theory.

Answer 1

Cell theory:

1. Cell theory was proposed by Schleiden and Schwann.
2. This theory states that:
   • All living things are composed of one or more cells.
   • The cell is the basic unit of life.

Drawbacks of cell theory are:

1. Viruses are considered as acellular entities with no cell machinery.
2. RBCs and sieve tubes function without a nucleus to live.
3. In a few organisms, the structure of the body is not differentiated.
4. Schleiden and Schwann did not know the mechanism of cells.
5. Cell theory is not true in the case of prokaryotes.