Living cells were discovered by

Options

A. Robert Hooke
B. Purkinje
C. Leeuwenhoek
D. Robert Brown

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks who discovered living cells. This requires knowledge of historical figures in cell biology.

2. **Identifying Key Figures**: The two main scientists associated with the discovery of cells are Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

3. **Robert Hooke's Contribution**: Robert Hooke was the first to discover cells in 1665. He examined cork under a microscope and observed small compartments that he called "cells." However, these cells were dead and lacked protoplasm and organelles.

4. **Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's Contribution**: Following Hooke, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed living cells in 1674. He examined pond water and discovered microorganisms that were alive and moving, which contained protoplasm and cell organelles.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the observations, while Robert Hooke discovered cells, they were not living. The discovery of living cells is attributed to Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Living cells were discovered by" is Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

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