1.

2 Living Things & Cell Theory Name:

Living things?
• Living things come only from other living things.
• The term “cell” originated from Robert Hooke, a 17th century scientist.
o That term is still used today to describe the structures that living things are made of.
The Cell Theory
• Cell theory: the theory in biology that explains the structure and source of all living things
• 3 important statements:
1. All living things are made up of one or more cells
2. All new cells come from pre-existing cells
3. The cell is the basic unit of life

Viruses,,, living? Non-living?

• Virus: a strand of genetic material surrounded by a protein layer that can infect and reproduce in a
host cell
o They DO NOT contain cell parts that plant, and animal cells do.
o Unlike cells, they CANNOT…:
§ Take in nutrients
§ Use energy
§ Produce wastes
Viruses
• Viruses must be inside the cell of another organism (host) to reproduce
o Otherwise they’re dormant (inactive)
• Dormant viruses:
o Cannot carry out any life functions…
o Can stay dormant for hours, days, or even months before they reach a host!!
• Only function of a virus is to reproduce once inside a host.
• Examples: flu, cold

Argument
• Most scientists do not consider viruses to be alive because they do not have the characteristics of
living things
• However, some discoveries from the last few decades could support that they’re living…
• What do you think?