outline the historical development of the cell theory, in particular, the

contributions of Robert Hooke and Robert Brown

Spontaneous Generation
the belief that all species are spontaneously created from inanimate objects
(dust, dirt and other non-living sources)
this was believed until the 19th century, despite being disproven by experiments
conducted by Francesco Redi (1626-1698)
Louis Pasteur performed a similar experiment and was credited for disproving
spontaneous generation

o
o
o

drop of pond water and were described as animal cells.

1831
Robert Brown
o

1839
Schleiden (botanist) and Schwann (zoologist)
o
o

The Cell Theory

1.
2.
3.

Cells are the smallest functioning units of life

All living things are made up of cells
Cells are made from pre-existing cells

Timeline
1485
Leonardo da Vinci
o Used a glass lens to study small objects
1600
Hans Lippershey and Zacharias Janssen
o
o

Invented the first compound microscope

A compound microscope uses TWO lenses (made up of different material)
whilst a simple microscope uses ONE lens

1665
Robert Hooke
o

Created and used a compound light microscope to observe honeycomblooking elements of cork. He then coined the term cell for each unit.
Hookes finding was not universally accepted.
Note: Cork cells are certain plant cells on the outer edge of trunk/limbs of
woody plants.

1675
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
o

Produced a simple microscope that used a single powerful lens. He discovered

many single-celled living things. These unicellular organisms were observed in a

Observed the epidermis of orchid and found an opaque region and coined it
nucleus. He did not know the importance of the nucleus or its function.

Observed animal and plant cells and found commonality in structure: nucleus
Proposed all living things are made up of cells, thus formulating the cell theory:
1.
2.

Cells are the smallest functioning units of life

All living things are made from cells.

Note: Schwann was the first person to see yeast cells dividing (produce new cells)
1858
Rudolf Virchow
o Proposed that:
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells of the same type
1880
Walter Fleming
o
o

Described the process of the cell division (mitosis) via his observation of living
and stained cells
describe evidence to support the cell theory
1.
2.
3.

Cells are the smallest functioning units of life

o Leeuwenhoeks observation of numerous types of unicellular cells
All living things are made up of cells
o Hookes observations of many types of unicellular cells
Cells are made up of pre-existing cells
o Schwann observed yeast cells dividing, and
o Brown observed the nucleus, leading to
o Flemings observation of cell division

Chronological Order of Supporting Evidence

o
o

Cells were identified

Micro-organisms identified
Lulu Li
11 Biology Ja

o
o
o

Nucleus of the cell was identified

All things are composed of cells was proven when the budding of
yeast was observed
The idea of cell division was proposed and proven

Top Technology Light Microscope (2000x)

All structures in school light microscope, as well as:
o
o
o

discuss the significance of technological advances to developments in the cell

theory

Cytoplasm

Golgi body
Mitochondria
Nucleolus

Significance
The development of the cell theory relied on the ability to see the cell. This would not
have been possible without the technological advances in microscopes and the
preparations of specimens.
Advance
New type of microscope with two lenses
rather than one
Compound lenses with two or more types
of glass
Dyes were used to stain specimens

Embedded the specimen in wax to hold it

steady before they cut it with a microtome
(a device that enabled them to cut
extremely thin slices of specimens)
Chemicals such as formalin were used to
harden or fix the specimen before the wax
and cutting stages
o

Impact on the Development of Cell

Theory
Cell could be better observed

o
o
o
o
o

Cell membrane
Cell wall
Nucleus and nuclear membrane
Chloroplast
Vacuole

o
o
o
o
o

Endoplasmic reticulum
Ribosomes
Lysosomes
Centrosomes
Cytoskeleton

describe the relationship between the structure of cell organelles and their
function

Produce clearer and sharper images

Specimens show up more clearly under the
microscope. Specific dyes stained specific
organelles different colours. Nucleus was
observed dividing in dividing cells.
Could cut extremely thin slices of
specimens.

Cell/plasma Membrane
Structure/location
o

Made them easier to cut

identify cell organelles seen with current light and electron microscopes
School Light Microscope (1000x)

Electron Microscope (2000 000x)

All structures in school light microscope and top technology light microscope, as well as:

Phospholipid bilayer with inserted proteins. Surrounds the cell.

Function
o
o
o

Protects the cell contents

Hold the cell contents in shape
Controls the movement of substances into and out of cells semipermeable

Cytosol
Structure/location
o

Gel-like aqueous solution between the cell membrane and nuclear membrane in
which the organelles and chemicals are situated
Lulu Li
11 Biology Ja

Function
o

Substances are dissolved or suspended in it

Cytosol + organelles = cytoplasm
Cytosol + nucleus = protoplasm

Nucleus (nuclear envelope)

Structure
o

Large spherical organelle surrounded by a double membrane which contains pores

Function
o
o
o

Contains DNA which are arranged in chromosomes and RNA

Regulates gene transcription
Molecules made up in the nucleus can pass out into the cytoplasm via pores

Nucleolus

Function
o

Spherical region within the nucleus not enclosed, densely packed

Function
o

Produces RNA such as ribosomes

Ribosomes
Structure
o

Small, spherical structures which exist freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the
endoplasmic reticulum (RER) made of rRNA

Function
o

Site of protein synthesis

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Canals carry a variety of substances throughout the cell

SER do not contain ribosomes

RER contain ribosomes
Golgi body/apparatus/complex
Structure
o

Stacks of membrane sacks

Function
o

Structure
o

Network of membranes which form canals or passageways that run throughout the
cell, connecting the cell membrane with the nuclear membrane

Receive, sort and dispatch products of cell metabolism. Vesicles at the ends of the
membranes can break off and transport substances to the cell membrane.

Mitochondria
Structure/location
o

Oval shaped structures with a folded inner membrane and outer membrane;
abundant in muscle cells

Functions
o
o

Carry out respiration the process of energy production

Large SA for the chemical reactions forming ATP to take place

Lysosomes
Structure
o

Sacs of enzymes enclosed by a membrane; abundant in phagocytes

Function

Structure
Lulu Li
11 Biology Ja

Contain special enzymes that attack and destroy any macromolecules (proteins,
fats, carbohydrates) and foreign protein (pathogens) entering the cell

Rigid structure made up of cellulose which surrounds the cell membrane

Function
Vacuoles
Structure
o

Membrane bound spaces

Function
o
o
o

Varies depending on the needs of the cell: may store water, salts and other
substances
Contributes to the support of the cell turgidity in plants
Food vacuoles store food

Cell Wall
Structure/location

o
o

Protects and supports the cell

Forms a bridge between adjacent cells

Chloroplast
Structure
o

Surrounded by a double membrane and contain internal membranes arranged in

stacks called grana, which is where chlorophyll is found

Function
o
o

Contains the green pigment, chlorophyll

Grana have large surface area for light absorption for photosynthesis to occur
May also store starch

Lulu Li
11 Biology Ja