Question

Schleiden (1838) proposed cell to be structural and functional unit of life. His idea was a/an:

• A. Observation
• B. Assumption
• C. Generalisation
• D. Hypothesis

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The term hypothesis means a proposition or a set of propositions set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specific phenomenon. In this case, the phenomenon was smallest constituent entity of living organisms. In 1838, German Botanist Matthias Schleiden found that all plant tissues are made up of cells which have essentially similar structure. German zoologist Theodor Schwann in 1839, working independently observed that animal cells do not have cell wall but are otherwise similar among themselves. Thus, the original idea of both the workers was a hypothesis based on their observation, which had to be experimentally verified by other workers.

Hence, 'D' is the correct option.