Theodor Schwann

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Theodor Schwann

Theodor Schwann (pronounced: THEE-uh-dor SHVAN) was a German physiologist who is best known for his significant contributions to the field of cell biology. His work laid the foundation for the modern cell theory, which states that all living organisms are composed of cells.

Etymology

The name "Theodor" is of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God". "Schwann" is a German surname, the origin of which is not definitively known.

Biography

Theodor Schwann was born on December 7, 1810, in Neuss, Germany. He studied at the universities of Bonn, Würzburg, and Berlin. Schwann is most famous for his cell theory, which he developed in the 1830s in collaboration with Matthias Jakob Schleiden. This theory states that all organisms are composed of cells, and that cells are the basic unit of life.

Contributions to Science

Schwann's most significant contribution to science is his development of the Cell theory. He also discovered Schwann cells, which are a type of glial cell that keep peripheral nerve fibres (both myelinated and unmyelinated) alive. In addition, Schwann played a crucial role in the early studies of cellular metabolism, and he coined the term "metabolism" for the chemical reactions that occur within the cells of living organisms.

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