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Cell Theory

By , About.com Guide

Definition: The Cell Theory is one of the basic principles of biology. Credit for the formulation of this theory is given to german scientists Theodor Schwann, Matthias Schleiden, and Rudolph Virchow.

The Cell Theory states:
  • All living organisms are composed of cells. They may be unicellular or multicellular.
  • The cell is the basic unit of life.
  • Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
The modern version of the Cell Theory includes the ideas that:
  • Energy flow occurs within cells.
  • Heredity information (DNA) is passed on from cell to cell.
  • All cells have the same basic chemical composition.

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