Spontaneous generation

Question 1

Discuss two implications of all cells being formed from preexisting cells

Answer 1

1) there must have been a preexisting cell

2) all cells are related (even if distantly)

Question 2

Spontaneous generation

Answer 2

Cells arise from nonliving matter

Question 3

Historical thinking about spontaneous generation

Answer 3

1) Aristotle wrote about insects being formed from the dew falling on leaves
2) Theophrastus reported that Silphium sprung from the soil where it was not previously present
3) Paracelsus declared generation of mice, frogs, and eels from water, air, or decaying matter

Question 4

Why did people believe in spontaneous generation?

Answer 4

1) Conformity Bias: everyone believed it at the time so it was hard for people to speak out against it, and it shows how groups tend to think alike

2) Religion:
it was a deep part of daily life

3) Observation:
No microscope

Question 5

How do we know that all cells come from preexisting cells?

Answer 5

We observe mitosis, meiosis, binary fission, not spontaneous generation

Question 6

Biogenesis

Answer 6

cells arise from living matter

Question 7

Conformity Bias

Answer 7

the tendency to behave similarly to others in a group, even if it goes against your own judgement.