Correct option is C
Correct Answer:(c) Alexander Fleming
Explanation:
The discovery of penicillin is attributed to Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, in 1928. While conducting experiments on Staphylococcus bacteria, he noticed that a mold (Penicillium notatum) accidentally contaminated one of his Petri dishes and inhibited bacterial growth. This led to the discovery of the first antibiotic, which revolutionized medicine by effectively treating bacterial infections.
Penicillin became widely used in the 1940s after further research and mass production efforts by scientists like Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain. It played a critical role during World War II, saving millions of lives by treating infections among soldiers. Today, antibiotics derived from penicillin continue to be vital in modern medicine.
Information Booster:
● Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 at St. Mary's Hospital, London.
● It was the first widely used antibiotic, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections.
● Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain developed methods for large-scale production in the 1940s.
● Penicillin helped reduce mortality rates from bacterial infections, especially during World War II.
● The discovery marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, leading to the development of various other life-saving antibiotics.