Which statement is NOT consistent with modern cell theory?

Which statement is NOT consistent with modern cell theory?

• A. The age of the universe determines cell existence
• B. Cells arise from preexisting cells
• C. The basic unit of life is a cell
• D. Genetic information stored in DNA

Answer: (A)

Modern cell theory describes that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells arise from preexisting cells, with genetic information stored in DNA within those cells. The statement about the age of the universe determining cell existence isn’t part of this biological framework; cosmic age is a cosmological concept, not a factor that governs whether cells exist or how life is organized. While the universe is old enough to have allowed conditions for life to develop, the existence of cells is explained by cellular processes and heredity, not by cosmic timelines. The other ideas align with cell theory: cells reproduce from preexisting cells, the cell is the fundamental unit of life, and DNA stores genetic information that guides cellular function.

Modern cell theory describes that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells arise from preexisting cells, with genetic information stored in DNA within those cells. The statement about the age of the universe determining cell existence isn’t part of this biological framework; cosmic age is a cosmological concept, not a factor that governs whether cells exist or how life is organized. While the universe is old enough to have allowed conditions for life to develop, the existence of cells is explained by cellular processes and heredity, not by cosmic timelines. The other ideas align with cell theory: cells reproduce from preexisting cells, the cell is the fundamental unit of life, and DNA stores genetic information that guides cellular function.