Cytology - what is it?For a complete disclosure of the term should refer to the ancient Greek language, since it is out of it and it happens.Translated from the ancient Greek "kitos" - a cell, and "logos" - teaching.Thus, cytology - what is it?It is the science of cells.If disclose the topic in more detail, it is to say that it was studying their structure and principles of operation.
History and development of science
first microscope was invented in the middle of XVII century.Actually, thanks to this device and there cytology.What does it mean?The fact that it is observing living organisms through the primitive design of magnifying glasses, the Englishman Robert Hooke first discovered that all of them are composed of microparticles divisible.He called them cells.A decade later, another researcher - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek baths - found that all cells have an ordered internal structure and functioning of certain laws.He also belongs to the discovery and nuclei.However, the idea of the structure of the cell and its ability to live for a long time hampered by the weak development of microscopes.The following important steps were taken in the middle of the XIX century, when much has been improved machinery.The most important results of this period of cytology as a science - is the creation of the cell theory and the discovery of protoplasm.
cell theory
Using accumulated in this period empirical knowledge, two biologists - T. and M. Schwann Schleiden - literally at the same time offer the scientific community the idea that all animals and plants are composed entirely of similar units - cells.And each of the cells individually has the properties of a living organism.Such a conception of complex forms of life on Earth has had a major impact on the further development of biological science.
discovery of protoplasm
Another important achievement of the scientists in this area was the discovery and description of protoplasm - a substance that fills the cell body and is a kind of medium for its structural bodies.Later, knowledge of protoplasm were deepened and slightly modified in comparison with the original.Today, such a cell medium called the cytoplasm.
further development
Through the study of the cells in the second half of the XIX were discovered discrete calf contained in the nucleus - the chromosomes.Their study, the discovery of the fact that each species has a certain constant number of chromosomes, the kernel takes a direct part in breeding, led to the discovery of the laws of genetic continuity.The next step was to study the development of cytology has direct genetic inheritance laws.The most important contribution in this field made Austrian scientist of the late XIX century, Gregor Mendel.
Cytology - it is modern science?
Actually, the development of technical capabilities and scientific methodology cytology done by the middle of the XX century one of the most important areas of biological knowledge.Modern methods of cytology used in breeding and developing new plant species useful for human cancer research and opportunities to deal with them, growing artificial organs, and so on.
