AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Initially discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665, the cell has a rich and interesting history that has ultimately given way to many of today’s scientific advancements.

Detailed explanation-2: -While observing cork through his microscope, Hooke saw tiny boxlike cavities, which he illustrated and described as cells. He had discovered plant cells! Hooke’s discovery led to the understanding of cells as the smallest units of life-the foundation of cell theory.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the 1660s, Robert Hooke looked through a primitive microscope at a thinly cut piece of cork. He saw a series of walled boxes that reminded him of the tiny rooms, or cellula, occupied by monks. Medical historian Dr. Howard Markel discusses Hooke’s coining of the word “cell."

Detailed explanation-4: -The first time the word cell was used to refer to these tiny units of life was in 1665 by a British scientist named Robert Hooke. Hooke was one of the earliest scientists to study living things under a microscope.

Detailed explanation-5: -Around similar times Marcello Malpighi, an Italian scientist, and doctor observed cell structure of plant leaves and named each unit as utricles. This makes Malpighi the first scientist to observe living cells.