Question

students are learning about the contributions that resulted in the development of the cell theory and comparing differences between scientific theories and scientific laws. which of the following statements describes why scientists consider the cell theory a scientific theory rather than a scientific law?
a it is a theory because it is a description of specific situations in which cells can be observed.
b it is a theory because it is an interpretation of changes to the structure of cells during their life.
c it is a theory because it is a well - supported explanation about the existence and presence of cells.
d it is a theory because it is a well - established set of predictions about the growth and evolution of cells.

Explanation:

To determine why the cell theory is a scientific theory, we analyze the definitions: a scientific theory is a well - supported explanation of a natural phenomenon, while a scientific law describes a phenomenon.

• Option A: Describing specific situations of cell observation is more like a description (related to laws or observations), not an explanation of a theory.
• Option B: Interpreting changes in cell structure during their life is too narrow and not the core of what a scientific theory (about the existence and basic nature of cells) is.
• Option C: The cell theory is a well - supported explanation about the existence and presence of cells (and their role as the basic unit of life), which fits the definition of a scientific theory.
• Option D: A set of predictions is not what a scientific theory is; theories explain, and laws or models might predict in some cases, but the cell theory is an explanation.

Answer:

C. It is a theory because it is a well - supported explanation about the existence and presence of cells.