Question Detail

MIC 121 Introductory Microbiology Objective Question
Take CBT

Question

Lazzaro Spallanzani improved upon Needham's experiment by boiling broth for a longer duration and sealing the flasks. What was his conclusion based on the results where no microorganisms grew in the properly sealed and boiled flasks?
Options
A Microorganisms require air to grow.
B Non-living matter can spontaneously generate life if given enough time.
C One hour of boiling sterilizes broth, and microorganisms in spoiled broth enter from the air.
Correct Answer
D Boiling for a few minutes is sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Spallanzani concluded that while one hour of boiling would sterilize the broth, only a few minutes of boiling (as Needham did) was not enough to kill any bacteria initially present, and the microorganisms in the flasks of spoiled broth had entered from the air, not spontaneously generated.

Hint

Spallanzani's experiment effectively countered Needham's, showing the source of the microbes.

Question Info

Course: MIC 121
Topic: Introductory Microbiology
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 182 of 984
Previous Course Details Next