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Rudolf Virchow and His Contribution to Cell Theory — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned science reading passage introduces students to Rudolf Virchow, a key historical figure in cell biology. Supporting standard MS-LS1-1, it explains how Virchow added the third part of modern cell theory: that all cells come from pre-existing cells. His work helped disprove spontaneous generation and connect cell biology to the study of disease. With vocabulary like 'pathology,' 'cancer,' and 'cell division,' this middle school passage supports reading comprehension and provides real-world relevance to life science and health topics, all while meeting the expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

In the mid-1800s, German scientist Rudolf Virchow made a major discovery that helped complete our understanding of cells. He added the final piece to what we now call cell theory. Virchow stated that all cells come from pre-existing cells. This idea is written in Latin as “Omnis cellula e cellula,” meaning “every cell from a cell.”

Before Virchow’s work, scientists like Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann had already discovered that plants and animals are made of cells and that the cell is the basic unit of life. However, they did not fully understand how new cells formed. Some people believed cells could appear on their own, a process called spontaneous generation. Virchow strongly disagreed and used scientific evidence to show that new cells are made when existing cells divide.

Virchow's research in medicine and pathology also helped connect cell theory to human health. He studied diseased tissues and found that illness often begins when normal cells stop working properly or grow abnormally. This was an important step in understanding how diseases like cancer spread—by the growth of damaged cells. Because of this, Virchow is often called the “Father of Modern Pathology.”

Virchow’s statement helped complete the three-part cell theory we teach today:

All living things are made of cells.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
All cells come from pre-existing cells.

His work showed that cells are not just building blocks of life, but also the starting point for understanding health and disease.

Fun Fact: Virchow was not only a scientist—he was also a politician who fought for public health reforms in Germany!

What idea did Rudolf Virchow add to cell theory?

Cells can move on their ownAll cells are made of atomsAll cells come from pre-existing cellsCells appear from non-living things

What does “Omnis cellula e cellula” mean?

Cells are small animalsCells come from plantsEvery cell from a cellCells live in water

What false belief did Virchow disagree with?

Cell divisionSpontaneous generationEvolutionGerm theory

What is one reason Virchow is called the “Father of Modern Pathology”?

He discovered gravityHe invented the microscopeHe studied how disease starts in cellsHe drew the first cell

What happens when normal cells grow abnormally?

They become strongerThey stop dividingThey may cause diseases like cancerThey turn into organs

How did Virchow help complete cell theory?

He found cells in metalHe discovered that cells come from other cellsHe showed cells make energyHe used a telescope

What is the main idea of the passage?

Virchow’s politics helped him study cellsCells can create energyVirchow completed cell theory by showing new cells come from old onesOnly plants are made of cells

If Virchow had not shared his discovery, what might scientists still believe?

Cells grow in water onlyCells appear from nothingCells come from animalsCells don’t divide