. The Bible and science. The simplest forms of plants consistof single cells, and they grow simply by multiplication,each cell giving birth to two or more, which separateand form perfect individuals. The plant grows innumber, but does not increase in size. Some fungi consist of rows of cells attached one toanother by their ends, and by the cells which composeit subdividing, and each new cell formed in this manneragain growing, without separating itself from its neigh-bours, the plant increases in size, but all parts of it stillremain similar to each other. In the higher algae, and in mosses, t
. The Bible and science. The simplest forms of plants consistof single cells, and they grow simply by multiplication,each cell giving birth to two or more, which separateand form perfect individuals. The plant grows innumber, but does not increase in size. Some fungi consist of rows of cells attached one toanother by their ends, and by the cells which composeit subdividing, and each new cell formed in this manneragain growing, without separating itself from its neigh-bours, the plant increases in size, but all parts of it stillremain similar to each other. In the higher algae, and in mosses, the cells not only REPRODUCTION IN FUNGI AND ALG^E. 73 multiply, but become to some extent ditferentiated,those on the surface, for example, becoming harder,and forming a skin which protects the softer structuresinside. In ferns and trees, the cells not only multiply andbecome differentiated, as in the smaller plants, butthese higher members of the vegetable kingdom nolonger present the simple external appearance of the. Fig. 19.—Fungus, showing growth by subdivision of cells, wliich remain attachedto one another. lower orders. They have differentiated roots, stem,branches, and leaves, and, correspondingly, we find thatthe structure of the tissue becomes also more compli-cated, and that the cells, joining together in someparts, develop into vessels. Everywhere the cell is the element of plantlife. From its division we see structures of themost various sort arise, and at once the question 74 ORIGIN OF THE FIRST CELL. suofaests itself, Whence did the first cell come ?So far as our present observation goes, we are onlyable to say that every cell has arisen from a pre-existing cell. Omnis celhila e celhdd. In the case of a growing bud, the cells divide, and thetwig elongates. The power of growth is contained inthe bud itself, and all that is requisite is that it shouldbe supplied with sufficient nutriment. This is usuallyderived from the plant on which it grows, which drawsup mois
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