The cell was first discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665

using a microscope. The first cell theory is credited to the

work of Theodor Schwann and Matthias Jakob
Schleiden in the 1830s.
In biology, cell theory is the historic scientific theory, now universally
accepted, that living organisms are made up of cells. Cells are the basic
unit of structure in all organisms and also the basic unit of reproduction.
With continual improvements made to microscopes over time,
magnification technology advanced enough to discover cells in the 17th
century. This discovery is largely attributed to Robert Hooke, and began the
scientific study of cells, also known as cell biology. Over a century later,
many debates about cells began amongst scientists. Most of these debates
involved the nature of cellular regeneration, and the idea of cells as a
fundamental unit of life. Cell theory was eventually formulated in 1839. This
is usually credited to Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann. However,
many other scientists like Rudolf Virchow contributed to the theory.
The three tenets to the cell theory are as described below:

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. (However, this
is considered a controversy because non-cellular life such as viruses are
disputed as a life form.[1] See Non-cellular life.)

The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.

Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Cell Membrane
In BOTH types of cells. Controls what goes in and
out of the cell.
Chloroplast
In a PLANT CELL. Captures energy from sunlight.
Uses energy to produce cell food, which is sugar.
Process called photosynthesis.
Cytoplasm
 In BOTH types of cells. Houses gel-like fluids that
support cell organelles.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
In BOTH types of cells. Carries substances, like
proteins, to various parts of the cell.
Golgi Body/Complex
In BOTH types of cells. Receives materials from
endoplasmic reticulum, distributes materials.
Large Vacuole
In a PLANT CELL. Stores water, food, waste and
more for a plant cell.
Lysosome
In an ANIMAL CELL. Contain chemicals that break down
certain materials. Breaks down dead cells.
Mitochondria
In BOTH types of cells. Organelle that produce most of the
cells energy, which is ATP.
Nuclear Envelope
In BOTH types of cells. Protects the Nucleus. Lets things in and
out of the Nucleus.
Nucleolus
In BOTH types of cells. Makes Ribosomes.
Nucleus
In BOTH types of cells. Directs all cell actions, including
reproduction.