About this Video

• Video Title: The wacky history of cell theory - Lauren Royal-Woods
• Channel: TED-Ed
• Speakers: Lauren Royal-Woods
• Duration: 00:06:12

Introduction

This TED-Ed video explores the history of cell theory, highlighting the unusual circumstances and personalities involved in its development. The video contrasts the seemingly dry facts of the theory with the quirky and often contentious stories of the scientists who contributed to its creation.

Key Takeaways

• The Cell Theory: The video explains the three tenets of cell theory: 1) All organisms are composed of one or more cells; 2) The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms; and 3) All cells arise from preexisting cells.
• Early Microscopes: The invention of the compound microscope in the early 1600s, initially attributed to Zacharias Janssen, is discussed, emphasizing its role in enabling the observation of microscopic life.
• Anton van Leeuwenhoek's Discoveries: Leeuwenhoek's self-made microscope and his discovery of bacteria ("animalcules") by examining dental plaque are detailed.
• Robert Hooke's Contributions: Hooke's coining of the term "cell" from his observations of cork cells is explained, along with his rivalry with Isaac Newton.
• Schleiden and Schwann: The contributions of Matthias Schleiden (botany) and Theodor Schwann (zoology) in independently observing that plants and animals are composed of cells, respectively, and their collaboration on the development of the cell theory are described.
• Virchow and Remak: The final piece of the cell theory, regarding cell origins, is credited to Rudolph Virchow, who built upon the research (potentially without proper attribution) of Robert Remak.