Question

The phrase Omnis cellula e cellula was given by:
A) Virchow
B) Pasteur
C) Schleiden and Schwann
D) Robert Brown

Answer 1

The phrase Omnis cellula e cellula means that each cell arises from another cell by division. While it seems straightforward enough, scientists for a long time thought that new cells arise through spontaneous generation.

Complete answer:

Rudolf Virchow was a 19th century pathologist in Germany. He is well known for his contribution to cell theory, particularly in the concept that diseases originate at the basis level of the cell, making it easier for doctors and scientists to identify and treat diseases more effectively. Virchow popularised the expression. Option A is the correct answer.
Louis Pasteur was the scientist who ran an experiment to prove that spontaneous generation of diseases was not possible. Using sterile broth he demonstrated that maggots do not arise from thin air. While Pasteur contributed greatly both to the fields of cell theory and immunology, he did not coin this phrase. Option B is incorrect.
Schleiden was a German botanist and he stated that plants consist of units of life known as cells. Schwann went on to extend this definition to include animals. Together they thus founded the cell theory, but they did not come up with this expression. Schwann also went on to describe the myelin sheath around neuronal axons. Option C is incorrect.
Robert Brown is most well-known for two things which he discovered in the 19th century. The first was a huge advancement in cell biology, which was his discovery of the nucleus. Secondly, he is responsible for discovering that particles in solution carry out random movement, now named Brownian motion. Option D is incorrect.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Incidentally, the phrase itself was coined by Francois Vincent Raspail. Raspail was a French physician, biologist, chemist, attorney, and politician. He contributed to scientific research and is known for his stand against the monarchy.