The question is asking who is considered the "father" of cell biology, not literally the father cell. In this context, George Emil Palade is widely recognized as the "father" of modern cell biology. He made significant contributions to the field, especially through his pioneering use of the electron microscope. This allowed him to discover ribosomes and the activity of secretory proteins, greatly advancing our understanding of cell function.
Palade's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974. He is celebrated for his multidisciplinary approach and his groundbreaking discoveries that laid the foundation for modern cell biology.