Cell was discovered by?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Robert Hooke is credited with the discovery of the cell in 1665.
He used a self-made microscope to observe a thin slice of cork and noticed a honeycomb-like structure.
He coined the term 'cell' because the box-like compartments reminded him of the cells in a monastery.
His findings were published in his famous work, 'Micrographia'.

Option A: This is likely a misspelling of Theodor Schwann. His work was on the formulation of the cell theory, not the initial discovery of the cell.
Option B: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe living microorganisms ('animalcules'), but Robert Hooke was the first to use the term 'cell' after observing non-living plant tissue.
Option D: Robert Brown discovered the nucleus, which is an organelle inside the cell, not the cell itself.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Cell Discovery as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The discovery of the cell is the foundation of all modern biology and medicine. Understanding the cell is fundamental to nursing practice, as it underpins pathophysiology (how diseases affect the body at a cellular level) and pharmacology (how drugs work on cells).
Nurses apply knowledge of cellular function daily when administering medications, monitoring for side effects, managing fluid and electrolyte balance, and understanding wound healing.
What if? If a patient has a genetic disorder like sickle cell anemia, the nurse's understanding of the 'cell' changes from a generic concept to a specific, malformed red blood cell. This knowledge directly informs the assessment for pain crises, anemia, and organ damage, guiding specific nursing interventions.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of science.
First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Cell' and 'discovered'. This asks for the person credited with the very first discovery and naming of the cell.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of major figures in biology.
Recall that Robert Hooke looked at cork and named the 'cells'.
Differentiate this from Leeuwenhoek (who saw living cells), Schwann (cell theory), and Brown (nucleus) to confirm the correct choice.
Select the option that matches the initial discovery.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 40-42

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 29-31

Practise the full HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.