CITY UNIVERSITY OF PASAY
College of Education
Cell and Molecular Biology
Name_______________________________ Date_________
Year/Course________________________ Dr. Marlowe Louis F. Fabunan
Activity 1
Understanding Cell Theory
What Are Cells?
Cells are the basic structural, functional, and biological units of all living organisms. They are often
referred to as the "building blocks of life" because every living organism, from the simplest bacteria to the most
complex animals and plants, is made up of one or more cells. Cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they
all share certain characteristics that define them as cells.
Key Features of Cells:
Cell Membrane: A protective outer layer that regulates what enters and exits the cell.
Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance inside the cell where cellular activities occur, including metabolism.
Nucleus (in eukaryotes): A membrane-bound structure that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
Organelles: Specialized structures within the cell, such as mitochondria (energy production), ribosomes
(protein synthesis), and the endoplasmic reticulum (protein and lipid production).
Genetic Material (DNA): The instructions for building proteins and guiding cellular functions are encoded
in the DNA, which is found in the nucleus (eukaryotic cells) or in the cytoplasm (prokaryotic cells).
There are two primary types of cells:
1. Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, smaller cells without a membrane-bound nucleus, such as bacteria.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, found in animals,
plants, fungi, and protists.
Why Are Cells Important to Us?
1. Basic Unit of Life:
Cells are the smallest living units in an organism. They perform essential functions that support life, such
as energy production, growth, reproduction, and responding to stimuli. Whether in a single-celled
organism or a multicellular organism like humans, life would not be possible without cells.
2. Foundation of Health and Disease:
Every aspect of our health, from metabolism to immune response, relies on cells. When cells function
properly, our bodies remain healthy, but when cells malfunction, diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart
disease can occur. Understanding cells allows us to better understand the causes of diseases and
develop treatments.
3. Cellular Specialization:
In multicellular organisms, cells differentiate into various types, each with specific roles, such as muscle
cells for movement, nerve cells for communication, and red blood cells for oxygen transport. This
specialization allows for complex organisms with diverse functions.
4. Reproduction and Growth:
Cells are essential for reproduction. In multicellular organisms like humans, reproduction involves the
division of cells (mitosis or meiosis) to create new cells, ensuring growth, repair, and the continuation of
life across generations. Without this process, organisms wouldn't be able to reproduce or heal injuries.
5. Energy Production:
Cells generate energy through processes like cellular respiration (in mitochondria for eukaryotic cells),
which converts nutrients into usable energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is
crucial for maintaining bodily functions, from muscle contraction to brain activity.
6. Environmental Interaction and Adaptation:
Cells constantly interact with their environment, responding to signals and adapting to changes. For
example, cells can react to stimuli such as temperature changes, light, or the presence of certain
molecules. These cellular responses help organisms survive and thrive in varying environments.
7. Scientific Understanding and Innovation:
The study of cells, called cell biology, is essential for advancing knowledge in fields like medicine,
biotechnology, and genetics. From cloning to gene editing and stem cell research, understanding how
cells work has led to groundbreaking technologies that can treat diseases, regenerate tissues, and even
extend life expectancy.
ACTIVITY
Part 1: Cell Theory Principles
Directions: Read each of the following statements and answer the questions.
1. Complete the principles of Cell Theory by filling in the blanks.
o All living organisms are made of _______.
o The cell is the basic unit of _______ and organization in organisms.
o All cells arise from _______ cells.
2. Briefly explain the importance of each principle of Cell Theory.
Part 2: Historical Development of Cell Theory
Directions: Answer the following questions based on the history and development of Cell Theory.
3. Who were the main contributors to the development of Cell Theory? Match the scientist to their
key contribution.
Scientist Contribution
1. Robert Hooke A. First to observe living cells and microorganisms.
2. Matthias Schleiden B. Proposed that all plant tissues are made of cells.
3. Theodor Schwann C. Found that animal tissues were composed of cells.
4. Rudolf Virchow D. Proposed that all cells come from pre-existing cells.
1.
2.
3.
4.
4. Describe how the work of Hooke, Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow led to the development of the
modern Cell Theory.
Part 3: Application of Cell Theory
Directions: Answer the following questions about the application of Cell Theory in modern science.
5. True or False:
Indicate whether the statement is True (T) or False (F). If false, provide a correct version of the statement.
a) _____ All viruses are considered living organisms because they contain cells.
b) _____ The discovery of the cell theory has no impact on fields such as biotechnology or medicine.
c) _____ Cell theory has helped us understand the relationship between disease and cellular malfunction.
6. Short Essay Question:
Explain how the cell theory has influenced modern medicine, particularly in understanding diseases such
as cancer or genetic disorders. Provide at least one example of how cell-based therapies or treatments
are used today.
Part 4: Critical Thinking
Directions: Reflect on the following questions and provide detailed answers.
7. How does the concept of "all cells arise from pre-existing cells" relate to the idea of cell division?
Discuss the significance of this process in terms of growth, repair, and reproduction in
multicellular organisms.
8. What challenges did scientists face in developing the cell theory, especially in terms of technology
and observation tools? How did advancements in microscopy contribute to the understanding of
cell structure?
