Name: _________________________________ Group #: _____________

ACTIVITY 3: Cell Theory in Action

One of the postulates of the Cell Theory states that all cells come from other cells. Living
things originate from cells. This activity would help you understand non-spontaneous
generation.

1. Prepare the following materials:

• 3 glass jars of the same size
• 3 slices of fresh meat (pork, beef or chicken) or mashed fruits (potato, banana,
papaya) as substitute
• Clean stockings or gauze
• Rubber bands
2. Clean and dry 3 glass jars.
3. Put a piece of fresh meat or fruit at the bottom of the three jars.
4. Keep the first jar open and leave it outside where it will be exposed to flies. Label this
Jar A.
5. Seal the mouth of the second jar with clean stockings or gauze using rubber band.
Keep it beside Jar A. Label this Jar B.
6. Tightly put the cap and seal the third jar. Keep it in a dry area. Label this Jar C.
7. Observe the appearance of maggots after several days. Continue your observation
until you observe the growth of maggots.
8. Record your observations.

Observations after 1-2 weeks

Indicators JAR A JAR B JAR C

Growth of maggots

Smell

Color of Meat or
Fruit

Growth of Fungi

Answer the following questions. Write your answer on the space provided in each item.

1. How do you relate the generation of maggots with the cell theory?

2. Why do we observe growth of fungi in all setups after several days of the experiment?

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