7.L.3A.1 Obtain and communicate information to support claims that (1) organisms are made of one or more cells, (2) cells are the basic unit of structure and function of organisms, and (3) cells come only from existing cells.
Cell theory refers to the idea that cells are the basic unit of structure in every living thing. Development of this theory during the mid 17th century was made possible by advances in microscopy. This theory is one of the foundations of biology. The theory says that new cells are formed from other existing cells, and that the cell is a fundamental unit of structure, function and organization in all living organisms. Click on the link below to read more about cell theory and the history of the discovery of cells.
Click on the link below to see how cells come from existing cells through the process of mitosis. Cells divide to make exact copies of themselves. This is how our bodies replace, repair, and grow new tissues.
Think you have it all figured out? Take the practice quiz below to see what you need to review before the test. Click on the link below to test your knowledge.