General Biology 1- Lesson 1:

You're about to learn, How were

cell discovered?
 Objetives:

1. The discovery of cell.

2. Scientist who studied cells.

3. Explain the postulates of the cell

theory and modern cell theory.
 What is a Spontaneous Generation?
Spontaneous generation is an outdated
scientific theory that states living organisms
can originate from non-living matter. It was
widely believed for many centuries, and was
often used to explain the appearance of
organisms like maggots on rotting meat.

Louis Pasteur's experiments in the 1860s using swan-neck flasks provided definitive
evidence against spontaneous generation. In his experiments, Pasteur sterilized
broth in flasks with swan-neck tubes that allowed air to reach the broth but trapped
dust and microbes. The flasks remained sterile indefinitely, even though they were
open to the air. When the swan-neck tubes were broken, microbes were able to enter
the flasks and contaminate the broth. This demonstrated that microorganisms come
from other microorganisms, and that spontaneous generation is not a valid theory.
Louis Pasteur was a French chemist, pharmacist, and
microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the
principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and
pasteurization, the last of which was named after him.

Disproval of Spontaneous Generation

Pasteur disproved the theory of spontaneous generation,
which claimed that life could arise from non-living matter.
In 1861, he conducted experiments using swan-neck flasks
filled with broth. He boiled the broth to kill existing
microbes, leaving the flasks open to air but preventing
microbial entry due to their unique shape. The broth
remained free of microorganisms, proving that life arises
from existing life, not spontaneously. This experiment
solidified the germ theory of life.
What is Cell?
A cell is the basic structural and
functional unit of life. It is the smallest
unit capable of performing all life
processes. Cells can exist as
independent organisms (like in single-
celled organisms such as bacteria) or as
part of a larger organism (like the cells
in humans and plants).
Zacharias Janssen (1585–c. 1632)
was a Dutch spectacle maker from
Middelburg who is widely credited
with inventing the first compound
microscope. Alongside his father,
Hans Janssen, Zacharias explored
the possibilities of combining
multiple lenses to magnify objects,
likely driven by their expertise in
crafting eyeglasses.
 Around 1590, they developed a simple tube
First Microscope with convex and concave lenses at either end,
which could magnify objects up to nine times
their original size. This early compound
microscope, though rudimentary,
represented a groundbreaking advancement
in optical science. While the precise details of
his contribution remain debated—owing to
limited documentation and competing claims
from contemporaries like Galileo—the
Janssens’ work undoubtedly paved the way
for modern microscopy.

The invention of the microscope

revolutionized science, sparking curiosity and
enabling discoveries that were previously
unimaginable. Early adopters like Galileo
Galilei and Robert Hooke refined and
popularized its use in the 17th century. .
 Discovery of Cell
was an English scientist, inventor, and natural
philosopher known for his pioneering work in
microscopy. In 1665, using a microscope he had
refined, Hooke examined thin slices of cork and
observed tiny, hollow compartments, which he
named "cells" because they resembled the
small rooms in a monastery. This discovery,
published in his groundbreaking book
Micrographia, marked the first identification of
cells, laying the foundation for cell theory.
Beyond microscopy, Hooke contributed to
physics, astronomy, and engineering,
showcasing his diverse intellect and curiosity
about the natural world.
Robert Hooke (1635–1703)
was a Dutch tradesman and scientist, often called the
"Father of Microbiology" due to his pioneering work with
microscopes. Although he had no formal scientific
education, Leeuwenhoek crafted his own high-powered
single-lens microscopes, achieving magnifications of up
to 300 times. In the late 17th century, he became the first
person to observe and describe bacteria, protozoa, and
other microscopic organisms, which he referred to as
"animalcules." His meticulous observations and detailed
sketches greatly advanced the field of microbiology,
making him a key figure in early scientific exploration of
the microscopic world.
 Plant Cell

was a German botanist who, is credited with helping to

develop the cell theory. In 1838, Schleiden proposed that all
plants are composed of cells, a groundbreaking discovery
that shifted scientific understanding of plant biology. He
observed that the plant's tissues were made up of individual
cells and that the cell was the basic unit of structure and
organization in plants. Schleiden's work laid the foundation
for the idea that all living organisms, whether plant or
animal, are made up of cells. His collaboration with Schwann
in 1839 led to the formulation of the unified cell theory,
which posits that all living organisms are composed of cells
and that the cell is the fundamental unit of life.
 Animal Cell

was a German physiologist best known for his

contributions to the development of cell theory. In 1839,
along with Matthias Schleiden, he co-published the idea
that all living organisms are made up of cells,
revolutionizing biology. Schwann focused particularly on
animals, conducting experiments on their tissues and
discovering that cells are the basic building blocks of
animal life as well. Schwann's work laid the foundation for
modern biology, particularly in understanding the
structure and function of animal cells
Cell Theory
-was developed in the 19th century by scientists such as
Matthias Schleiden (who studied plant cells), Theodor Schwann
(who studied animal cells), and Rudolf Virchow. Together, their
work established the cell as the basic unit of life and provided a
framework for understanding biology.
Cell theory is fundamental concept in biology that states:

1. All living organisms are made up of cell.

2. All cells arise from pre existing cells.

3. The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and
function in all living organisms.
Modern Cell Theory
The Modern Cell Theory builds on the traditional cell theory and
incorporates additional insights gained from advances in
biology.
4. .Cells carry genetic material, which is passed from cell
to cell during cell division.

5. All cells are basically the same in structure and

chemical composition.

6. Energy flow (biochemical processes) occurs

within cells.
 Importance and
Contribution of Cell Theory

Cell theory is crucial as it forms the foundation of

modern biology, enhancing our understanding of life
and its processes. By recognizing that all living
organisms are composed of cells and that these
cells function as the basic units of life, cell theory
has led to significant advancements in medicine,
genetics, and biotechnology. It helps explain how
diseases arise, how genetic information is inherited,
and how cells interact to maintain life. This
knowledge has been vital in developing treatments
for various diseases, improving healthcare, and
advancing research in genetics, thus contributing
greatly to our well-being and scientific progress.