Cell Theory
Which important generalisation about living organisms was added to the original cell theory only after Rudolf Virchow's observations on cell origin?
Select the correct option:
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
More cell structure and function Practice Questions
A chromosome in which the centromere lies exactly in the middle, giving two equal arms and a V-shape...
A chromosome in which the centromere lies exactly in the middle, giving two equal arms and a V-shape...
Examined in cross-section under an electron microscope, the wall of a single centriole reveals a cha...
Examined in cross-section under an electron microscope, the wall of a single centriole reveals a cha...
The core of a motile cilium contains a bundle of microtubules called the axoneme, which is organised...
The core of a motile cilium contains a bundle of microtubules called the axoneme, which is organised...
Two amino acids are joined together during protein synthesis through the formation of which specific...
Two amino acids are joined together during protein synthesis through the formation of which specific...
An enzyme lowers the activation energy of a biochemical reaction; this catalytic effect depends most...
An enzyme lowers the activation energy of a biochemical reaction; this catalytic effect depends most...
During the cell cycle, replication of the cell's DNA so that its quantity doubles takes place specif...
During the cell cycle, replication of the cell's DNA so that its quantity doubles takes place specif...
The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes that generates new allele combinatio...
The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes that generates new allele combinatio...
A bacterium retains the crystal violet stain during Gram staining mainly because of which structural...
A bacterium retains the crystal violet stain during Gram staining mainly because of which structural...
The widely accepted fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicolson best explains which dynamic p...
The widely accepted fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicolson best explains which dynamic p...
When a polar solute is moved across the membrane against its concentration gradient using ATP, this ...
When a polar solute is moved across the membrane against its concentration gradient using ATP, this ...
In adjacent plant cells, which calcium-pectate rich layer functions as cementing material holding th...
In adjacent plant cells, which calcium-pectate rich layer functions as cementing material holding th...
A liver cell engaged heavily in lipid and steroid synthesis would be expected to show abundant devel...
A liver cell engaged heavily in lipid and steroid synthesis would be expected to show abundant devel...
About This Question
- Subject
- biology
- Chapter
- cell structure and function
- Topic
- cell theory
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
All new cells arise from pre-existing cells by division
Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann originally proposed that all plants and animals are composed of cells and that the cell is the basic unit of life, but their statement could not explain how new cells came into being. Rudolf Virchow later extended this framework with his famous dictum 'Omnis cellula-e cellula', meaning every cell originates from a pre-existing cell through division, completing the modern cell theory described in NCERT Class 11, Chapter 8 (Cell: The Unit of Life). The option stating that every cell has a membrane-bound nucleus is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus yet are fully living. The claim that every organism is unicellular is false, since multicellular organisms clearly exist. The choice about flight is biologically meaningless and unrelated to cellular organisation. A logical consistency check supports the answer: if cells could appear spontaneously, continuity of heredity would break down, so Virchow's principle of cellular continuity is essential to the theory.
This easy difficulty biology question is from the chapter cell structure and function, covering the topic of cell theory. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all biology questions or browse cell structure and function questions on RankGuru.