Cell Theory

• The cell theory states that:

  1. All living things are composed of cells (or cell products)
  2. The cell is the smallest unit of life
  3. Cells only arise from pre-existing cells
• Striated muscle fibres challenge the cell theory because:


  they have fibres that are very long with multiple nuclei
• Striated muscle fibres challenge the idea that:


  cells always function as autonomous units
• Aseptate fungal hyphae challenge the cell theory because:


  they have no internal walls (septa) and have a continuous cytoplasm
• Aseptate fungal hyphae challenge the idea that:


  living structures are composed of discrete cells
• Giant algae challenge the cell theory because:


  they are unicellular organisms that grow to very large sizes
• Giant algae challenge the idea that:


  larger organisms are always made up of many microscopic cells