Verified Solution Biology Cell: The Unit of Life

What is the fundamental difference between the cell theory proposed by Schleiden and Schwann and the modern understanding of cell theory?

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe original theory stated all cells have a nucleus, while modern theory acknowledges cells without nuclei.
  • BModern cell theory adds that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, which was not explicitly stated initially.
  • CThe original theory only applied to plant and animal cells, while modern theory includes bacteria and fungi.
  • DModern cell theory emphasizes the role of organelles, which were unknown during Schleiden and Schwann's time.
Explanation

The original cell theory proposed by Schleiden and Schwann focused on cells as the basic unit of life and that all organisms are composed of cells. Rudolf Virchow later added the crucial tenet that all cells arise from pre-existing cells (Omnis cellula e cellula), which is now a fundamental part of modern cell theory.

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