In anatomy lab, students observe several samples under the microscope. Which of these observations supports the cell theory?

Question

1. Skeletal muscle cells are long and spindle shaped with multiple nuclei
2. Mature erythrocytes contain no nuclei.
3. Skin cells undergoing mitosis.
4. Most of the epithelial tissue samples from the small intestines contain cells as their main building block.
Responses
A 1 and 21 and 2
B 2 only2 only
C 3 and 43 and 4
D 4 only

Answer 1

The cell theory states that:

1. All living organisms are made up of cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of life.
3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Based on the observations provided, we need to identify which statements support the cell theory:

1. Skeletal muscle cells are long and spindle-shaped with multiple nuclei - This observation describes a specific type of cell structure but does not directly support the principles of the cell theory.

2. Mature erythrocytes contain no nuclei - While this is an observation about a specific type of cell, it does not contradict the cell theory, as it simply provides information about the structure of particular cells.

3. Skin cells undergoing mitosis - This clearly demonstrates that cells (skin cells in this case) are capable of division, which aligns with the idea that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

4. Most of the epithelial tissue samples from the small intestines contain cells as their main building block - This supports the idea that all living organisms (in this case, the tissue) are made up of cells.

Based on these evaluations, options 3 and 4 provide strong support for the cell theory.

Thus, the best response is: C: 3 and 4