Question

Which theory suggests that cells are the basic building blocks of life but don't constitute life itself?

Cell theory or organismal theory?

Answer 1

This is the organismal theory: the theory that the basic unit of life is the organism, but which can be divided into cells.

Cell theory says that the basic unit of life is the cell.

Answer 2

The correct answer would be the organismal theory.

The three main principles of the cell theory are:

• All the living organisms are formed by one or more types of cells.
• Cell forms the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
• Cell arises from the pre-existing cell.

The organismal theory was developed as a counter argument towards the cell theory.

One of the principles of this theory states that "cells are the basic building blocks of life but don't constitute life itself". For example, cells removed from a multicellular organism require specific life support systems in order to keep them alive.