Question

Pasteurs experiment to refute the theory of spontaneous generation was successful spontaneous generation did not occur in his set up because

• A. he did not boil the flask for long
• B. the S-shaped flask used by Pasteur prevented the contamination of broth by air
• C. extreme precautions were used by him to kept his flask covered
• D. he used fine muslin cloths to cover his experimental set up

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The S-shaped flask had a long neck, which did not permit free-movement of air due to the plug of condensed water. Since, microorganisms are present in air, which could not enter the flask, the broth remained unspoiled. Pasteur concluded that the growth of microorganisms is thus not spontaneous and possible only when broth comes in contact with air after seal is broken.