Question

Spontaneous generation or Abiogenesis was disproved by

• A. Antony van Leeuwenhoek
• B. Aristotle
• C. Louis Pasteur
• D. Ferdinand Cohn

Hint:

• Spontaneous generation: The outdated theory that living organisms can arise directly from non-living matter.
• Biogenesis: The principle that all living things come from pre-existing living things.
• Louis Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiments were a landmark in disproving spontaneous generation and establishing biogenesis for microorganisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The concept of spontaneous generation, also known as abiogenesis, suggested that living organisms could arise from non-living matter. This theory was widely accepted until the 19th century when it was scientifically disproved. Among the notable scientists who challenged this theory, Louis Pasteur played a crucial role.

Pasteur conducted a series of experiments using swan-neck flasks. He boiled nutrient-rich broth in these flasks to kill any existing microorganisms and allowed the flasks to cool. The unique design of the flask necks trapped airborne particles, preventing them from reaching the broth. Over time, no microbial life developed in the untouched broths. In contrast, when the neck was broken, microorganisms began to grow, demonstrating that life did not spontaneously arise but required contamination from existing life forms.

Through meticulous experimentation, Pasteur provided definitive evidence against the theory of spontaneous generation. His work laid the foundation for germ theory and greatly advanced the field of microbiology.

Therefore, the correct answer is Louis Pasteur.