AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1665, Robert Hooke was the first to observe cork cells and their characteristic hexagonal shape, using the first optical microscope, which was invented by him at that time. With the evolution of imaging techniques, the structure of cork has been analysed with greater accuracy over time.

Detailed explanation-2: -These advancements allowed Hooke to see something wondrous when he placed a piece of cork under the microscope. Hooke detailed his observations of this tiny and previously unseen world in his book, Micrographia.

Detailed explanation-3: -The 17th-century English physicist Robert Hooke was curious about the remarkable properties of cork–its ability to float, its springy quality, its usefulness in sealing bottles. Hooke investigated the structure of cork with a new scientific instrument he was very enthusiastic about called a microscope.

Detailed explanation-4: -While observing cork through his microscope, Hooke saw tiny boxlike cavities, which he illustrated and described as cells. He had discovered plant cells!

Detailed explanation-5: -Hooke devised the compound microscope and illumination system shown above, one of the best such microscopes of his time, and used it in his demonstrations at the Royal Society’s meetings.