Which scientist used a microscope to document the existence of cells in vegetables?

• A. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
• B. Robert Hooke
• C. Marcello Malpighi
• D. Louis Pasteur

Answer: (B)

Robert Hooke used a microscope to examine plant tissue, specifically cork from oak bark, and described tiny, box-like compartments that he called cells. This observation showed that plant tissues, including those in vegetables, are made of individual cell units and introduced the term “cell” into science. The other scientists focused on different areas: van Leeuwenhoek studied microorganisms in fluids, Malpighi contributed to early histology but not the first documentation of plant cells in vegetables, and Pasteur focused on fermentation and microbial life. Hooke’s observation is why he is the best answer.