Cells

Cell:  It is the smallest unit of life capable of performing all living functions.

Properties of cell

• The Cell is the smallest living unit of life.

• It is so small that it is not visible to the naked eye.

• The shape of the cell varies in different organisms and within an organism.

• Size of cells also differs.

• All living cells exhibit certain basic properties like respiration, growth, metabolism etc.

• Cells originate from a pre-existing cell. A mother cell divides to produce daughter cells. Hence, cells exhibit cell division.

Milestones in Cell Biology

Invention of Microscope

• The first, simple microscope was constructed by Antony van Leeuwenhoek. He used biconvex lens to make the microscope.
• The invention of compound microscope was done by Robert Hooke. These compound microscopes consisted of concave lens.
• The modern compound microscopes are a modification of one made by Robert Hooke. Their magnification power has been improved up to 2,000 times.
• Electron microscopes are the one that use electronic beams to magnify the objects. Their magnification power is over 2,00,000 ti…