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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is a part of the cell theory?
A
All cells have a nucleus containing genetic material.
B
Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter.
C
Cells are the smallest unit of life that can function independently.
D
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the historical context of the cell theory, which was developed in the mid-19th century by scientists such as Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow.
Recall 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 one or more cells' directly aligns with the first tenet of the cell theory.
Consider the statement 'Cells are the smallest unit of life that can function independently.' This aligns with the second tenet of the cell theory, which states that the cell is the basic unit of life.
Identify that the statement 'All cells have a nucleus containing genetic material' is incorrect as part of the cell theory because not all cells have a nucleus (e.g., prokaryotic cells), and 'Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter' contradicts the third tenet of the cell theory.