Which scientist is associated with the idea that new cells arise from pre-existing cells?

• A. Pasteur
• B. Schwann
• C. Virchow
• D. Leeuwenhoek

Answer: (C)

New cells arise from pre-existing cells is a central statement of the cell theory. Rudolf Virchow is the scientist who emphasized this idea, famously summarizing it with the phrase Omnis cellula e cellula. He explained that new cells come from the division of existing cells, tying cell growth, tissue repair, and development to cellular reproduction rather than spontaneous generation. While Schleiden and Schwann helped establish that cells are the basic units of life, the specific claim that every new cell originates from another cell is Virchow’s contribution. Pasteur and Leeuwenhoek contributed important observations about life and microorganisms, but not this particular origin rule.