cell doctrine
The cell doctrine is illustrated in a biology textbook with diagrams of plant and animal cells.
Noun: 1. The fundamental biological theory: A core principle in biology stating that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This concept forms a cornerstone of modern biology.
The term "cell doctrine" is used in academic and historical contexts to refer to this foundational biological theory. It is often discussed when introducing the history of biology or the fundamental principles of cell biology. * The cell doctrine established a unifying principle for all living things. * Modern biology is built upon the cell doctrine. * The development of the microscope was crucial for the formulation of the cell doctrine.
- The cell doctrine is also commonly referred to as cell theory. While "cell theory" is the more modern and frequently used term, "cell doctrine" often carries a slightly more historical connotation, referencing its original proposition and acceptance as a fundamental tenet of the science.
- Cell Theory (n.): The modern term for the cell doctrine, encompassing the original tenets and subsequent additions, such as the idea that energy flow occurs within cells and that cells contain hereditary information.
- Cellular (adj.): Relating to or consisting of cells (e.g., cellular structure, cellular biology).
- Cell Theory
- Organism: An individual living entity that is composed of one or more cells.
- Microscope: An instrument used to view small objects, essential for the discovery and study of cells.
- Schleiden and Schwann: The biologists (Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann) who are credited with formally proposing the cell doctrine in 1838-1839.
The cell doctrine is illustrated in a biology textbook with diagrams of plant and animal cells.
- (biology) the theory that cells form the fundamental structural and functional units of all living organisms; proposed in 1838 by Matthias Schleiden and by Theodor Schwann