High School Biology/Lessons/Lesson 1

Cell Introduction

This lesson will introduce you to cells. To get started, read Cell Structure in the FHSST Biology textbook at Wikibooks. This book will be our guide throughout the course.
Lesson Summary
History
  • Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665.
  • Cells were discovered in plants by Matthias Schleiden during the 1800s, and cells were discovered in animals by Theodor Schwann around this same time. Together, they wrote the cell theory.
Cell Theory
  • All organisms are composed of at least one cell.
  • Cells form the basic organizational structure of all living things.
  • All cells come from pre-existing cells.
Cell Types
  • Prokaryotic cells are a type of cell lacking structure. These cells are commonly found in unicellular organisms.
  • Eukaryotic cells are very structured. These cells are normally found in more complex, multicellular organisms.
Lesson Vocabulary

Vocabulary List

You should know the following terms before moving on to the next lesson.

  • Robert Hooke
  • Matthias Schleiden
  • Theodor Schwann
  • Cell Theory
  • Prokaryote
  • Eukaryote
Review Questions
Question #1

Who discovered cells?

Matthias Schleiden
Theodor Schwann
Robert Hooke

Pop Quiz!

Quiz

Know all the answers to the following questions before moving on to the next lesson.

1 Which scientists created the cell theory?

Schwann and Hooke.
Schleiden and Schwann.
Schleiden and Hooke.
Hooke, Schwann, and Schleiden.

2 Which is NOT part of the cell theory?

All cells are made from pre-existing cells.
All living things are composed of at least one cell.
All living things are prokaryotic.
The cell is the basic organizational unit of all living things.

3 Prokaryotic cells are highly structured.

TRUE
FALSE


What You Have Learned
This lesson has been on basic cell structure.

You have learned:

  • The History of Cells
  • The Cell Theory
  • The Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
In the Next Lesson
The next lesson is on plant and animal cells.

You Will Learn About:

  • The Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells
  • Organelles
  • How Organelles Work
Lesson Conclusion

The Next Lesson

Continue to Lesson 2- Plant and Animal Cells.

Contact Your Instructor