The Cell Principle, developed from Schwann’s cell hypothesis in 1839, was expanded upon by Schleiden and Schwann, eventually leading to the formation of the Cell Theory.
Further modifications were made when Rudolf Virchow proposed the theory of cell lineage or the idea that cells come from existing cells in 1855, famously stating “Omnis cellulae cellular (Every cell comes from a cell).” It is known as the law of cell lineage.
These additions solidified the Cell Theory as the Cell Principle or Cell Doctrine, which encompasses various living organisms like plants, animals, and microorganisms, and incorporates modern knowledge about cells.
Key Factors of Cell Principle
The Cell Principle, or Cell Theory, includes the following key points:
- All living things are made up of cells and their products. Cells are the basic building blocks of life and play a crucial role in the structure of organisms.
- Cells are the smallest units that make up all living organisms. Whether it’s a simple organism or a complex one like a human, cells are essential for the overall structure and function of the organism.
- A cell consists of a small mass of living material called protoplasm. This protoplasm contains a nucleus, different parts called organelles, and a protective outer covering called a membrane.
- While cells can exist independently, the organelles within cells cannot survive on their own. They rely on the cell as a whole to function properly. Each organelle has its specific job, and together they maintain the cell’s integrity and ensure the organism’s proper functioning.
- Cells share similar structures, chemical compositions, and basic metabolic reactions. Although different types of cells have specialized functions, they have common features that help us understand how cells work.
- Cells are where life happens. All the vital activities necessary for living organisms, such as obtaining nutrients, eliminating waste, and reproducing, take place within cells.
- New cells arise from existing cells through a process called cell division. This ensures the growth, repair, and reproduction of organisms. Every cell in an organism can be traced back to its parent cell, forming a continuous lineage of cells.
- Each cell contains all the genetic information needed not only for itself but also for the entire organism. This genetic material determines an organism’s characteristics and is passed on from parents to offspring.
- Genetic information is stored and expressed within cells. Cells use this information to carry out their specific functions and pass it on to future generations.
The Cell Principle helps us understand how life works at its most fundamental level. By studying cells, we gain insights into how organisms function and develop. It provides a foundation for scientific research and helps us explore the complexities of life on Earth.
Objections to the Cell Principle
(a) Prokaryotes, sieve tubes of phloem and mature red blood cells lack a nucleus, challenging the universality of this cellular characteristic.
(b) Prokaryotes lack several cell organelles present in eukaryotes, suggesting variations in cellular complexity.
(c) Viruses do not adhere to the theory of cell lineage due to their acellular nature.
(d) Coenocytes or syncytia contain multiple nuclei, deviating from the notion of single-nucleus cells. Example Rhizopus fungus.
(e) Acetabularia is unicelled, marine green algae that has a uninucleated differentiated body (acellular).
Read in Hindi – https://aliscience.in/cell-theory-by-scliden-schwann-hindi/
