Question

discuss the discoveries that were most important in the development of cell theory. remember: cell theory states: 1. all living things are made of cells. 2. cells are the basic unit of life. 3. all cells come from pre - existing cells.

Explanation:

1. Microscope invention: Allowed observation of cells. Robert Hooke first used it to see cork - like 'cells' in 1665. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek made more detailed observations of single - celled organisms.
2. Schleiden and Schwann's work: Matthias Schleiden in 1838 proposed plants are made of cells. Theodor Schwann in 1839 extended this to animals, stating all living things are made of cells and cells are the basic unit of life.
3. Virchow's contribution: In 1855, Rudolf Virchow proposed that all cells come from pre - existing cells, completing the cell theory.

Answer:

The most important discoveries in the development of cell theory were the invention of the microscope, the work of Schleiden and Schwann, and Virchow's proposal that all cells come from pre - existing cells.