Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Penicillin was isolated from which mould?

Options:

Aspergillus niger

Penicillium notatum

Candida albicans

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Correct Answer:

Penicillium notatum

Explanation:

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.