Practicing Success
Penicillin was isolated from which mould? |
Aspergillus niger Penicillium notatum Candida albicans Saccharomyces cerevisiae |
Penicillium notatum |
The correct answer is Option is (2)- Penicillium notatum Penicillin was isolated from the mould Penicillium notatum. The discovery of penicillin is credited to Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish biologist, who noticed its properties accidentally in 1928. While studying Staphylococcus bacteria, he observed that a mould contaminating his bacterial culture inhibited the growth of the bacteria. Upon closer examination, he identified the mould as Penicillium notatum. Fleming isolated the substance produced by the mould and named it "penicillin." He recognized its potential as an antibacterial agent but did not fully explore its applications. Later, the full potential of penicillin as an effective antibiotic was established by Ernst Chain and Howard Florey, who conducted further research and developed methods to produce penicillin on a larger scale. Penicillin is considered one of the most significant medical discoveries in history, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives since its introduction as a therapeutic agent.
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