According to spontaneous generation, life originated _____a)From micro...
According to the concept of spontaneous generation, life originated only spontaneously. This idea, also known as abiogenesis, suggests that living organisms can arise from non-living matter under certain conditions. Spontaneous generation was a widely accepted belief for many centuries, but it has been disproven by scientific experiments and observations.
Experiments Disproving Spontaneous Generation:
1. Francesco Redi's Experiment:
Francesco Redi, an Italian physician, conducted a famous experiment in the 17th century to challenge the concept of spontaneous generation. He placed meat in three different jars - one uncovered, one covered with a fine gauze, and one sealed completely. The uncovered jar attracted flies and maggots appeared on the meat, while the covered and sealed jars remained free of maggots. This experiment demonstrated that maggots do not spontaneously generate but instead come from flies laying eggs on the meat.
2. Louis Pasteur's Experiment:
Louis Pasteur, a French chemist and microbiologist, further debunked the concept of spontaneous generation in the 19th century. He designed an experiment using swan-necked flasks filled with nutrient broth. The long, curved necks of the flasks allowed air to enter but prevented dust and microorganisms from reaching the broth. Pasteur boiled the broth to kill any existing microorganisms and observed that no growth occurred unless the flask was tilted, allowing the contaminated air to come into contact with the broth. This experiment conclusively proved that life does not arise spontaneously but requires the presence of pre-existing life forms.
Significance of Pasteur's Experiment:
- Pasteur's experiment provided strong evidence against spontaneous generation and supported the theory of biogenesis, which states that living organisms only arise from pre-existing living organisms.
- This experiment had significant implications for the field of medicine and helped in the development of aseptic techniques, which are essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
- It also laid the foundation for the germ theory of disease, which states that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.
In conclusion, according to the concept of spontaneous generation, life originated only spontaneously. However, this idea has been disproven through various experiments, such as those conducted by Redi and Pasteur. The experiments demonstrated that life does not arise spontaneously but requires the presence of pre-existing life forms.
According to spontaneous generation, life originated _____a)From micro...
- This theory states that life originates from nonliving things or decaying matter like mud, straw etc. spontaneously.
- It was theory which had no specific explanation. It was soon rejected.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.