Which scientist is credited with the discovery and naming of cells?

The discovery and naming of cells is credited to Robert Hooke, who made this significant contribution in the 17th century. In 1665, Hooke used a compound light microscope to examine thin slices of cork. During his observations, he noticed small, box-like structures that resembled the cells in a monastery, which led him to coin the term "cell" to describe these individual units. This observation laid the foundation for cell theory, which later became a key principle in biology.

Hooke's work highlighted the importance of morphology in understanding biological structures, providing a window into the microscopic world. His meticulous illustrations and documentation of what he observed set the stage for later scientists to explore cellular structures and functions more comprehensively.