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Multiple Choice
Who improved the microscope and was the first to observe and describe cells?
A
Louis Pasteur
B
Robert Hooke
C
Gregor Mendel
D
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the historical context of microscopy: The development of the microscope was crucial for the advancement of biology, allowing scientists to observe structures not visible to the naked eye.
Identify key figures in microscopy: Several scientists contributed to the development and use of microscopes, including Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.
Learn about Robert Hooke's contributions: Robert Hooke improved the design of the compound microscope and was the first to use it to observe and describe the structure of cork, coining the term 'cells' to describe the box-like structures he saw.
Explore Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's work: Although not the first to observe cells, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek made significant improvements to the microscope and was the first to observe and describe single-celled organisms, which he called 'animalcules'.
Distinguish between the contributions: While both Hooke and van Leeuwenhoek made important contributions, Robert Hooke is credited with being the first to observe and describe cells, specifically in cork tissue.