cell theory; miscroscopy

cell theory; miscroscopy

Cell theory; microscopy


Technology has played an essential role in the development of cell theory. There have been many improvements in various aspects of cell theory that have helped shape our understanding of it today.

The cell was first discovered in 1665 by Robert Hooke. He examined thin slices of cork and saw billions of tiny pores. His cell observations gave no indication of the nucleus and other organelles found in cells. The first man to observe a live cell under a microscope was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1674.
The cell theory concept was finally formally articulated in 1839 by Matthias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann.

There have been obvious technological progressions from the advances in microscopy which range from the older light microscopes to the more complex electron microscopes.

One aspect of microscopy that has impacted on our understanding of cells are the various improvements in staining methods for specimens.

The improved sectioning and staining of the slides has impacted upon the cell theory greatly and has been proved to have a beneficial impact on our understanding of cells. With improved staining, more enhanced, accurate and clear examinations of cells can be seen.
Back in the early years, when the cell theory was not as yet to be articulated, observing cells was quite complex. Although there were older versions of microscopes available, sometimes the slides with the cells wanting to be observed would be difficult to identify with.
As the years progressed, better microscopes were invented with the introduction of the electron microscope in 1933. Also, better microscope lenses were invented and staining techniques were improved greatly. This includes enhanced staining dyes as well as improved sectioning such as with wax. Use of fixatives also assisted with making cells seen more clearly.

With improved staining techniques, it is evident that clearer images of cells were able to be seen. These clearer images...