Cell Theory and Science

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Benchmark breakdown

Benchmark details

Course learning goal: Use evidence to explain the main ideas of cell theory and why scientific explanations can become stronger as observations improve.

Clarifications

Course focus: Connect observations of living things and cell division to the claims that organisms contain cells, cells are life's structural and functional units, and new cells arise from existing cells.

Content limits

Course boundary: Historical names and dates provide context; the assessed reasoning centers on evidence and the three cell-theory ideas.

Robert Hooke's cork-cell drawing from Micrographia — Robert Hooke's cork-cell drawing. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Core instruction

Need to know

Learn the bold ideas first. Use the clarification beneath each one when you need more explanation.

The three components of cell theory are: 1) cells are the basic unit of life, 2) cells come from preexisting cells, and 3) all living things are made of one or more cells.
- Connect it: Observations of living things and cell division support these three claims.
Cell theory became stronger as microscopes improved and scientists observed cells in many different organisms.
- Why it matters: Scientific explanations become stronger when repeated observations provide additional supporting evidence.
When an EOC question asks about cell theory, connect the evidence to one of the three components instead of choosing a generic definition of science.
- Question boundary: Historical names and dates are context; the assessed reasoning centers on evidence and the three cell-theory ideas.

Video(s)

Embedded cell-theory lesson. Open on YouTube.

Lesson interactives

Evidence sorter

Decide which evidence supports modern cell theory.

Microscope observations show cork, plants, and animals are made of cells.Controlled investigations show microorganisms come from other microorganisms.A student says cells appear because living things need them.DNA evidence shows cells contain inherited instructions.

Cell theory content check

Select the statements that correctly describe cell theory.

All living things are made of one or more cells.Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things.Cells come from preexisting cells.Living things can produce new cells from nonliving material whenever cells are needed.

Cell theory evidence match

Match each observation to the cell-theory idea it supports.

Microscope observations show plant and animal tissues are made of cells.A single-celled organism carries out all basic life functions.A time-lapse microscope image shows one cell dividing into two cells.Improved microscopes let scientists compare cells from many organisms.

Independent standards practice

Question 1 of 2

Cell theory was first proposed in 1838. Evidence obtained through additional scientific investigations resulted in the current cell theory. Which statement describes a component of the original cell theory that was removed because of the new scientific knowledge?

A. All living things are made of cells.B. All cells come from other preexisting cells.C. Cells form through spontaneous generation.D. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life.

Question 2 of 2

Which invention from the 17th century allowed for the development of modern cell theory?

A. X-raysB. ComputersC. The light microscopeD. The scanning electron microscope

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