As microscope technology improved over time, the magnification became advanced enough to discover cells in the 17th century. This discovery is largely attributed to Robert Hooke, and began the scientific study of cells, also known as cell biology. Over a century later, debate continued among scientists about how cells began. Most of these debates involved the nature of cell reproduction, and the idea of cells as a fundamental unit of life. Cell theory was eventually formulated in 1839.
The three tenets to the cell theory are as described below:
1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
3. Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
How does cell division prove the cell theory?
Cell division is a process in which a parent cell divides to produce two or more daughter cells. This process is a key aspect of the third tenet of the cell theory, which states that cells arise from pre-existing cells.
During cell division, the parent cell duplicates its genetic material and organelles, and then divides into two daughter cells, each containing a complete set of genetic information and cellular machinery. This process demonstrates that new cells are derived from pre-existing cells, supporting the idea that cells are the fundamental unit of life and validating the third tenet of the cell theory.
Overall, cell division provides concrete evidence for the cell theory by demonstrating the continuous process of cell reproduction and the concept that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells. It also underscores the importance of the cell as the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.