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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a part of the cell theory?
A
Cells contain a nucleus that houses genetic material.
B
Cells are the smallest unit of life capable of independent reproduction.
C
All living organisms are composed of cells.
D
Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter.
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.
Recognize 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.
Evaluate each statement in the problem against the tenets of the cell theory. The statement 'All living organisms are composed of cells' directly aligns with the first tenet of the cell theory.
Consider the statement 'Cells contain a nucleus that houses genetic material.' While this is true for eukaryotic cells, it is not a part of the original cell theory, which applies to all cells, including prokaryotic cells that do not have a nucleus.
Analyze the statement 'Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter.' This contradicts the cell theory, as it was disproven by experiments such as those conducted by Louis Pasteur, which showed that cells arise from pre-existing cells, not spontaneously from non-living matter.