1 The Cell Theory The Cell Theory
2 Some Random Cell Facts The average human being is composed of around 100 Trillion individual cells!!! The average human being is composed of around 100 Trillion individual cells!!! It would take as many as 50 cells to cover the area of a dot on the letter “ i ” It would take as many as 50 cells to cover the area of a dot on the letter “ i ”WOW!!!
3 Discovery of Cells- Robert Hooke 1665- English Scientist, Robert Hooke, “discovered” cells while looking at a thin slice of cork. 1665- English Scientist, Robert Hooke, “discovered” cells while looking at a thin slice of cork. He described them as the “cells” that monks lived in. He described them as the “cells” that monks lived in. He thought that cells only existed in plants and fungi He thought that cells only existed in plants and fungi
4 Anton van Leuwenhoek 1673- Used a handmade microscope to observe pond scum & discovered single-celled organisms 1673- Used a handmade microscope to observe pond scum & discovered single-celled organisms He called them “animalcules” He called them “animalcules” He also observed blood cells from fish, birds, frogs, dogs, and humans He also observed blood cells from fish, birds, frogs, dogs, and humans Therefore, it was known that cells are found in animals as well as plants Therefore, it was known that cells are found in animals as well as plants
5 150-200 Year Gap??? Between the Hooke/Leuwenhoek discoveries and the mid 19 th century, very little cell advancements were made. Between the Hooke/Leuwenhoek discoveries and the mid 19 th century, very little cell advancements were made. This is probably due to the widely accepted, traditional belief in Spontaneous Generation. This is probably due to the widely accepted, traditional belief in Spontaneous Generation. Examples: Examples: -Mice from dirty clothes/corn husks -Maggots from rotting meat
6 Robert Brown Showed that the nucleus is a key part of each cell. Others had noticed the nucleus but none thought it very important. Showed that the nucleus is a key part of each cell. Others had noticed the nucleus but none thought it very important. A Scottish biologist A Scottish biologist
7 Schleiden 1838- German Botanist, Matthias Schleiden, concluded that all plant parts are made of cells 1838- German Botanist, Matthias Schleiden, concluded that all plant parts are made of cells He and Schwann are credited with advancing the first statement of the cell theory. He and Schwann are credited with advancing the first statement of the cell theory.
8 Schwann 1839- German physiologist & zoologist, Theodor Schwann, who was a close friend of Schleiden, stated that all animal tissues are composed of cells. 1839- German physiologist & zoologist, Theodor Schwann, who was a close friend of Schleiden, stated that all animal tissues are composed of cells.
9 Virchow 1858- Rudolf Virchow, German physician, after extensive study of cellular pathology, concluded that cells must arise from preexisting cells. 1858- Rudolf Virchow, German physician, after extensive study of cellular pathology, concluded that cells must arise from preexisting cells. This means that This means that cells can’t just be cells can’t just be created created This is the 2 nd This is the 2 nd part of the cell theory part of the cell theory
10 The Cell Theory The 3 Basic Components of the Cell Theory were now complete: The 3 Basic Components of the Cell Theory were now complete: 1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells. (Schleiden & Schwann)(1838-39) 2. The cell is the basic unit of life in all living things. (Schleiden & Schwann)(1838-39) 3. All cells are produced by the division of preexisting cells. (Virchow)(1858)
11 Support of the Cell Theory Up until this time most people belived in Spontaneous Generation- the belief that life could spring up from nonliving material. Up until this time most people belived in Spontaneous Generation- the belief that life could spring up from nonliving material. Louis Pasture’s experiments Louis Pasture’s experiments conclusively disproved conclusively disproved Spontaneous Generation and Spontaneous Generation and supported the Cell Theory supported the Cell Theory
12 Support of the Cell Theory 1860’s German Scientist Walther Flemming stained cells making them easier to see. 1860’s German Scientist Walther Flemming stained cells making them easier to see. This allowed him to discover how cells reproduce. This allowed him to discover how cells reproduce. His discoveries supported His discoveries supported the cell theory. the cell theory.
13 Modern Cell Theory Modern Cell Theory contains 4 statements, in addition to the original Cell Theory: Modern Cell Theory contains 4 statements, in addition to the original Cell Theory: The cell contains hereditary information(DNA) which is passed on from cell to cell during cell division. The cell contains hereditary information(DNA) which is passed on from cell to cell during cell division. All cells are basically the same in chemical composition and metabolic activities. All cells are basically the same in chemical composition and metabolic activities. All basic chemical & physiological functions are carried out inside the cells.(movement, digestion,etc) All basic chemical & physiological functions are carried out inside the cells.(movement, digestion,etc) Cell activity depends on the activities of sub-cellular structures within the cell(organelles, nucleus, plasma membrane) Cell activity depends on the activities of sub-cellular structures within the cell(organelles, nucleus, plasma membrane)
14 How Has The Cell Theory Been Used? The basic discovered truths about cells, listed in the Cell Theory, are the basis for things such as: The basic discovered truths about cells, listed in the Cell Theory, are the basis for things such as: Disease/Health/Medical Research and Cures(AIDS, Cancer, Vaccines, Cloning, The Human Genome Project, Stem Cell Research, etc.) Disease/Health/Medical Research and Cures(AIDS, Cancer, Vaccines, Cloning, The Human Genome Project, Stem Cell Research, etc.)
15 Some Parting Thoughts It is amazing to think that the cells that make up our bodies are just as alive as we are. Humans are just an intricately designed community of cells, which must work together to survive It is amazing to think that the cells that make up our bodies are just as alive as we are. Humans are just an intricately designed community of cells, which must work together to survive