Cell theory is a fundamental concept in biology that describes the basic unit of life and its role in all living organisms. The cell theory was formulated in the mid-19th century and has since become one of the central principles of modern biology. It is credited to three scientists: Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow, who independently contributed to its development.
Key Principles of Cell Theory:
All living organisms are composed of cells: The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. Every living organism, from the simplest unicellular organisms to complex multicellular organisms, is made up of one or more cells.
Cells are the building blocks of life: Cells are the smallest units that can carry out all the functions necessary for life. They are responsible for all the biochemical processes, growth, development, and reproduction in living organisms.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells: Cells do not spontaneously generate. New cells are formed through the division of pre-existing cells. This principle is known as biogenesis and was proposed by Rudolf Virchow.
Cells carry genetic information: The genetic information of an organism is stored in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) within the cells. DNA contains the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of the organism.
Pro Tip
Want to assess your learners online? Create an online quiz for free!
Cells show a high level of organization: Cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems in multicellular organisms. Each cell has specific roles and functions that contribute to the overall function of the organism.
Article overview
- Part 1: 30 Cell Theory quiz questions & answers
- Part 2: Download Cell Theory questions & answers for free
- Part 3: Free online quiz software – OnlineExamMaker
Part 1: 30 Cell Theory quiz questions & answers
1. Who are the three scientists credited with formulating the cell theory?
a) Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel, and Louis Pasteur
b) Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, and Galileo Galilei
c) Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow
d) Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Max Planck
Answer: c) Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow
2. What is the basic structural and functional unit of life according to cell theory?
a) Molecule
b) Atom
c) Cell
d) Tissue
Answer: c) Cell
3. Which principle of cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells?
a) Cells carry genetic information
b) All cells arise from pre-existing cells
c) Cells are the building blocks of life
d) All living organisms are composed of cells
Answer: d) All living organisms are composed of cells
4. Who proposed the principle that “all cells arise from pre-existing cells”?
a) Matthias Schleiden
b) Theodor Schwann
c) Rudolf Virchow
d) Robert Hooke
Answer: c) Rudolf Virchow
5. The genetic information of an organism is stored in the form of:
a) RNA
b) DNA
c) Proteins
d) Carbohydrates
Answer: b) DNA
6. Which type of cell division is responsible for the growth and development of multicellular organisms?
a) Mitosis
b) Meiosis
c) Fission
d) Binary fission
Answer: a) Mitosis
7. What is the term for a group of cells with a similar structure and function?
a) Organ
b) Tissue
c) Organism
d) Molecule
Answer: b) Tissue
8. What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
a) Energy production
b) Protein synthesis
c) DNA replication
d) Cell division
Answer: b) Protein synthesis
9. Which organelle is known as the “powerhouse of the cell” because it produces energy in the form of ATP?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Mitochondria
d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: c) Mitochondria
10. Which type of cell lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles?
a) Prokaryotic cell
b) Eukaryotic cell
c) Animal cell
d) Plant cell
Answer: a) Prokaryotic cell
11. What is the function of the cell membrane?
a) Storage of genetic material
b) Regulation of cell activities
c) Production of energy
d) Digestion of cellular waste
Answer: b) Regulation of cell activities
12. Which type of cell division is involved in the production of gametes (sex cells)?
a) Mitosis
b) Meiosis
c) Fission
d) Binary fission
Answer: b) Meiosis
13. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis, modification, and packaging of proteins in the cell?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Mitochondria
d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d) Endoplasmic reticulum
14. In which organelle does photosynthesis occur in plant cells?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Mitochondria
d) Chloroplast
Answer: d) Chloroplast
15. What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?
a) Protein synthesis
b) Energy production
c) Storage of genetic material
d) Digestion of cellular waste
Answer: c) Storage of genetic material
Part 2: Download Cell Theory questions & answers for free
Download questions & answers for free
16. What is the name of the process by which cells engulf external materials into the cell through the cell membrane?
a) Diffusion
b) Osmosis
c) Endocytosis
d) Exocytosis
Answer: c) Endocytosis
17. Which organelle contains enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Lysosome
d) Peroxisome
Answer: c) Lysosome
18. Which principle of cell theory states that cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA?
a) Cells carry genetic information
b) All cells arise from pre-existing cells
c) Cells are the building blocks of life
d) All living organisms are composed of cells
Answer: a) Cells carry genetic information
19. Which type of cell division produces daughter cells identical to the parent cell?
a) Mitosis
b) Meiosis
c) Fission
d) Binary fission
Answer: a) Mitosis
20. What is the process called when cells release internal materials to the outside environment through the cell membrane?
a) Diffusion
b) Osmosis
c) Endocytosis
d) Exocytosis
Answer: d) Exocytosis
21. Which principle of cell theory states that new cells are formed by the division of pre-existing cells?
a) Cells carry genetic information
b) All cells arise from pre-existing cells
c) Cells are the building blocks of life
d) All living organisms are composed of cells
Answer: b) All cells arise from pre-existing cells
22. Which type of cell division is involved in the reproduction of unicellular organisms like bacteria?
a) Mitosis
b) Meiosis
c) Fission
d) Binary fission
Answer: d) Binary fission
23. The cell theory laid the foundation for which scientific discipline?
a) Physics
b) Chemistry
c) Biology
d) Geology
Answer: c) Biology
24. In which type of cells is the genetic material located in the nucleus?
a) Prokaryotic cells
b) Eukaryotic cells
c) Animal cells
d) Plant cells
Answer: b) Eukaryotic cells
25. What is the term for an organism made up of a single cell?
a) Unicellular
b) Multicellular
c) Eukaryotic
d) Prokaryotic
Answer: a) Unicellular
26. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs and poisons in the cell?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Mitochondria
d) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: d) Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
27. What is the name of the region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is located?
a) Mitochondria
b) Chloroplast
c) Nucleus
d) Nucleoid
Answer: d) Nucleoid
Just so you know
With OnlineExamMaker quiz software, anyone can create & share professional online assessments easily.
28. Which organelle contains the green pigment chlorophyll and is responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?
a) Nucleus
b) Golgi apparatus
c) Mitochondria
d) Chloroplast
Answer: d) Chloroplast
29. Which type of cell division produces haploid cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell?
a) Mitosis
b) Meiosis
c) Fission
d) Binary fission
Answer: b) Meiosis
30. What is the term for an organism made up of multiple cells?
a) Unicellular
b) Multicellular
c) Eukaryotic
d) Prokaryotic
Answer: b) Multicellular
Part 3: Free online quiz maker – OnlineExamMaker
OnlineExamMaker is a powerful and user-friendly software tool that allows educators, trainers, and businesses to create interactive online quizzes and assessments. With OnlineExamMaker quiz software, you can easily design and distribute quizzes to evaluate knowledge, gather feedback, and measure performance.
Create Your Next Quiz/Exam with OnlineExamMaker