Today marks 250 years since the birth of Henri Dutrochet, a man described by Christian Nezelof as “A unheralded discoverer of the Cell”. Dutrochet trained as a physician, but made discoveries in botany that transformed our understanding of biology.
In 1826, while investigating sap in plants, he discovered the process of osmosis, the movement of water across a selective membrane from low solute concentrations to regions of higher concentrations. He presented this work to the Paris Academy of Sciences on October 30, 2026, which means the concept of osmosis celebrated its 200th birthday just a couple of weeks ago.
If that wasn’t enough, he also discovered that only cells that have chlorophyll can ‘fix’ carbon from the atmosphere. He was the first to assert that the cell is the fundamental unit of organisation in biology. There is an argument that lots of research was leading in a similar direction, so it would be an exaggeration to say that cell biology wouldn’t have happened without him, but he certainly sped it on its way.
How to Play
Six plants fill each row
each column, each box of six
no bloom may repeat
Tap an empty cell
then choose your plant from below
watch the garden grow
Or pick a plant first
then tap the cells where it goes
faster hands plant more
Red borders will warn
when two alike share a line
rethink and replant
Ticked plants rest complete
all six placed in rightful soil
fewer choices left
The clock starts to run
the moment your first plant falls
how swift is your hand?
Select a plant, then tap cells
Two ways to play: Tap an empty cell then pick a plant, or select a plant below then tap cells to place it.
Cover image: Henri Dutrochet via Wikipedia
