Question

Explain how the work of a number of scientists led to the discovery and mass production of penicillin.

Answer 1

Penicillin was discovered by biologist Alexander Fleming accidentally while studying bacteria. Florey and Chain played a crucial role in isolating and purifying penicillin to make it a clinically useful antibiotic. Their work led to the mass production and widespread use of penicillin as an effective treatment for bacterial infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

Penicillin was discovered accidentally by biologist Alexander Fleming in 1928 when he noticed antibacterial properties in a mold growing on a bacterial culture plate. Further research and development of penicillin, including its isolation and mass production, were accomplished by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain at Oxford University. They purified penicillin and demonstrated its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent in animal and human trials. Their work led to the mass production of penicillin and its widespread use as an antibiotic.