Question

What technological advancement was necessary before scientists could begin to observe cells?

Answer 1

The microscope. It allowed for scientists to observe the tiny parts of cells since they are not visible to the naked eye.

Answer 2

The correct answer is the invention of the microscope.  

Cells are the finest and the smallest functional and structural unit of a living species. They comprise of cytoplasm and nucleus, which are enveloped in a membrane. The cells are not visible to the naked eye and hence a microscope was required to witness them. Robert Hooke was the first of the scientist to witness them under the microscope.