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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is not a tenet of modern cell theory?
A
Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter.
B
All living organisms are composed of cells.
C
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
D
All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the core principles of modern cell theory. Modern cell theory includes several key tenets that are widely accepted in biology.
The first tenet is that all living organisms are composed of cells. This means that cells are the fundamental building blocks of life, and every organism, from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals, is made up of cells.
The second tenet is that cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms. This implies that cells are not only the building blocks but also the functional units that carry out the necessary processes for life.
The third tenet is that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This principle emphasizes that cells do not spontaneously appear; rather, they are produced through the division of existing cells.
Identify the statement that contradicts these tenets. The statement 'Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter' is not a part of modern cell theory, as it contradicts the principle that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.