Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT one of the three parts of the 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 cell theory, which is a fundamental principle in biology. It consists of three main parts: 1) All living organisms are composed of cells, 2) Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms, and 3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Review each statement provided in the problem to determine which one does not align with the established cell theory.
The statement 'Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter' contradicts the third part of the cell theory, which states that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This concept of spontaneous generation was disproven by experiments conducted by scientists like Louis Pasteur.
Compare the remaining statements with the cell theory: 'All living organisms are composed of cells' aligns with the first part, and 'Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms' aligns with the second part.
Conclude that the statement 'Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter' is not part of the cell theory, as it contradicts the principle that cells arise from pre-existing cells.