Core Principles of Cell Theory
- The cell theory states that:
- All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in all organisms.
- New cells arise only from the division of pre-existing cells.
Be able to recall these three statements in order, this is a common 1–2 mark recall question.
How Cell Theory Guides Scientific Predictions
- Because cell theory has been tested repeatedly across diverse organisms, scientists can use it to make deductive predictions about new discoveries.
- Deductive reasoning starts from a general principle and applies it to specific cases:
- If all living things are made of cells, and a newly discovered object is alive, then it must be composed of cells.
This shows how deductive reasoning generates predictions from established theories, a key process in scientific inquiry.
Self review- List the three core statements of cell theory.
- How does cell theory demonstrate the use of deductive reasoning in science?
