Question
16. Which statement below is a reason why cell theory is defined as a scientific theory and not scientific law? A. Cell theory does not have enough evidence to become a law. B. Cell theory has only been proven by one scientist. C. Cell theory describes what cells look like in all organisms. D. Cell theory explains how organisms are made of one or more cells
Solution
4.4
(251 Votes)
June
Veteran ยท Tutor for 10 years
Answer
D
Explanation
Before answering, it's important to distinguish between scientific laws and scientific theories. Where scientific laws describe the patterns or general truths applicable throughout the universe about how nature behaves, they do not necessarily provide any explanation to these occurrences -that's where scientific theories come into the frame. Theories, proven through growing concrete evidence over constant weeks, months, and years can be seen as explanations built up to elucidate on the how behind an observed phenomenon or event. Cell theory, humanity's understanding of cells and their role in life, established on the basis of growing scientific evidence and explanation, hence categorizing it, not as a scientific law but a scientific theory.Now for the answer itself, Option A suggests that the cell theory lacks evidence which is incorrect as the development and retaining of all scientific theories are hinged on accumulating evidence over time. Option B postulates that a single scientist proves the cell theory which, again, is not accurate because the formation of any theory encompasses multiple scientists' works, artifacting through experiments and evidences. Option C, while correctly specifying that cell theory includes descriptions of cells across different organisms, at its core, cell theory includes more than just the appearances. Lastly, Option D indicates that cell theory provides explanations about how organisms emerge from one or move cells. This directly relates to the descriptive nature of theories that delineates the methodology and functioning behind natural occurrences and in this case about cell theory putting it forth as the most plausible right answer.