The term cell was given by

Analyze the question: It asks who first coined the term "cell" in biology.

Explain the concept: In 1665, the English scientist Robert Hooke examined a thin slice of cork under a simple compound microscope. He saw many small, box-like compartments that reminded him of the small rooms (cells) in a monastery. He called them "cells". He published this in his book Micrographia.

What Hooke actually saw were the dead cell walls of cork tissue, not living cells.

Check each option:

• A. Robert Hooke: Correct. He coined the term "cell" in 1665.
• B. Schwann: Theodor Schwann, together with Matthias Schleiden, proposed the cell theory (1839) that all animals are made of cells. He did not name the cell.
• C. De Bary: Anton de Bary is known as the founder of modern mycology (the study of fungi) and for work on plant pathology and symbiosis.
• D. Tatum: Edward Tatum worked with George Beadle on the "one gene, one enzyme" hypothesis in genetics.

Answer: The term "cell" was given by Robert Hooke, so the correct option is A.

Exam tip: Remember the pairing "Hooke = Cork = Cell". Also remember that Schleiden and Schwann = cell theory, while Hooke = naming the cell. JAMB often tests these two against each other.