Synthesize the contributions of early cell biologists to the current understanding of cell structure and function.

• A. They primarily contributed to the study of non-living matter.
• B. Their discoveries were only significant in the study of plant cells.
• C. Their work was largely irrelevant to current cell biology research.
• D. Their discoveries laid the groundwork for modern cell biology, influencing research on cell structure and function.

Answer: (D)