How to use this Cell Theory Worksheet
- Study your resources to gain an understanding of cell theory.
- For help or more information, check out this Now I Wonder post Cell Theory Worksheet: Study Guide.
- Use the worksheet questions below to assess your understanding of the cell theory.
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Cell Theory Worksheet Questions
1. Which of the following is the theory that is the unifying foundation of cell biology?
- Binary fission theory
- Nucleoplasm theory
- Pathogen theory
- Cell theory
- Electromagnetic theory
- Germ theory
2. What is cell theory?
3. Why is cell theory important?
List at least four (4) reasons.
4. Which is part of cell theory?
- All known, living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
- Diseases are caused by germs.
- Cells are collections of interconnected species.
- The creation of new cells depends on division of existing cells.
- Cells take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
5. According to the cell theory, which of the following are made of cells?
- Carbon dioxide
- Skin
- Water
- Muscle
- Blood
- Clay
6. Which of the following is not part of cell theory?
- All known, living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- Life arises from nonliving matter.
- Disease is caused by imbalance in the four fluid humors.
- The creation of new cells depends on division of existing cells.
- Material containing pneuma (“vital heat”) can create life.
- The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
7. According to the cell theory, which describes cells?
- The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in living things. All organisms are made up of one or more cells. Cells arise from other cells through cellular division.
- The cell is a tiny, solid structure found in living organisms that functions like a microscopic battery, storing energy for the body’s use. They are shaped like small cubes.
8. Which statement is one component of the cell theory?
- The microorganism must be found in diseased but not healthy individuals.
- Four bodily fluids determine a person’s temperament.
- Specific germs cause specific diseases.
- The creation of new cells depends on division of existing cells.
9. Which timeline best shows the history of the development of cell theory?
- Timeline #1:
- Nuclei observed in plant, then animal, cells.
- Recognition that cells are “elementary particles of organisms” in both plants and animals.
- Recognition that some organisms are unicellular, while others are multicellular.
- Recognition that cells arise from preexisting cells through division.
- Timeline #2:
- Recognition that some organisms are unicellular, while others are multicellular.
- Recognition that cells arise from preexisting cells through division.
- Nuclei observed in plant, then animal, cells.
- Recognition that cells are “elementary particles of organisms” in both plants and animals.
10. How did Robert Hooke contribute to the cell theory?
11. What was Anton van Leeuwenhoek’s contribution to the development of cell theory?
12. How did Matthias Schleiden contribute to the cell theory?
13. How did Theodor Schwann contribute to the cell theory?
14. How did Robert Remak contribute to the cell theory?
15. How did Louis Pasteur contribute to the cell theory?
16. Who discovered that all plants are made of cells?
- Louis Pasteur
- Henri Dutrochet
- Robert Brown
- Matthias Schleiden
- George Washington
- Rudolph Virchow
17. Which invention from the 17th century allowed for the development of modern cell theory?
- Microscope
- Telescope
- Gyroscope
- Periscope
18. Why have improvements in microscopes over time resulted in revisions in the cell theory?
19. A cell becomes too large to maintain a stable environment when:
- Its volume gets too small.
- Its surface area gets too big.
- Its surface area to volume ratio becomes too great.
- Its surface area to volume ratio becomes too small.
20. According to cell theory, viruses are considered nonliving because they:
21. What tenet of cell theory best supports the rationale that viruses are not living?
- Viruses do not reproduce by dividing.
- Viruses are too big to be considered cells.
- Viruses do not contain genetic material.
- Viruses can metabolize.
22. Which is a component of modern cell theory that was not part of the original cell theory?
- The structure and function of an organism is the result of the total activity of its individual cells.
- Cells contain DNA and RNA.
- Different organisms coexist and interact within a single cell.
- Energy is transformed from one form to another within cells.
- All cells in organisms of similar species share the same basic chemical composition.
- Cells are interconnected networks.
