rior to cell theory and germ theory, in the 1600s-1800s, some scientists supported the theory of spontaneous generation. The theory proposed that living (cellular) organisms could form from inanimate objects, or from other unrelated organisms. For example, it was thought that cheese or grain could facilitate the formation of mice. Which of the following tenets of cell theory refute, or contradict, the theory of spontaneous generation?
Correct Answer(s)
All living cells came from another living cell.
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All living things are comprised of cells.
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The cell is the basic unit of life.
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Cells arise from preexisting cells.
1 answer
The tenet that "All living cells came from another living cell" and "Cells arise from preexisting cells" refute the theory of spontaneous generation by stating that living cells can only come from other living cells, rather than being formed spontaneously from inanimate objects or unrelated organisms. Additionally, the tenet that "All living things are comprised of cells" supports the idea that all organisms are made up of cells, further disproving the concept of spontaneous generation. The tenet that "The cell is the basic unit of life" also supports the idea that cells are fundamental to all living things, emphasizing the importance of preexisting cells in the generation of new cells.