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Multiple Choice
Which statement is not part of the cell theory?
A
Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter.
B
Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
C
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
D
The cell is the basic unit of life.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the historical context of the cell theory, which was developed in the mid-19th century by scientists like Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow.
Review the three main tenets of the cell theory: 1) All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, 2) The cell is the basic unit of life, and 3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Identify the statement that contradicts the established cell theory. The idea that cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter is not part of the cell theory and contradicts the principle that cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Recall the concept of spontaneous generation, which was a historical scientific theory that living organisms could arise from non-living matter, a notion disproven by experiments such as those conducted by Louis Pasteur.
Conclude that the statement 'Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter' is not part of the cell theory, as it contradicts the accepted scientific understanding that cells arise from pre-existing cells.