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Questions and Answers
What conclusion did John Needham initially draw from his experiment involving boiled broth in sealed flasks?
What conclusion did John Needham initially draw from his experiment involving boiled broth in sealed flasks?
What specific experimental step led Needham to conclude that spontaneous generation was possible?
What specific experimental step led Needham to conclude that spontaneous generation was possible?
What crucial control was likely missing from Needham's experimental design, leading to his conclusion about spontaneous generation?
What crucial control was likely missing from Needham's experimental design, leading to his conclusion about spontaneous generation?
If Needham had used a more rigorous boiling method that completely sterilized the broth and prevented airborne contamination, what outcome would have contradicted his initial conclusion?
If Needham had used a more rigorous boiling method that completely sterilized the broth and prevented airborne contamination, what outcome would have contradicted his initial conclusion?
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How did Needham's belief in a 'life force' influence his interpretation of the experimental results?
How did Needham's belief in a 'life force' influence his interpretation of the experimental results?
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Flashcards
John Needham
John Needham
A scientist known for experiments with broth and microbes.
Broth Experiment
Broth Experiment
Needham's method to test if life arises from non-living matter.
Life Force
Life Force
Needham's belief in a mysterious energy that causes life to form.
Cloudy Broth
Cloudy Broth
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Microscopic Creatures
Microscopic Creatures
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Study Notes
John Needham's Experiment
- Needham boiled broth to kill microbes.
- He sealed the flasks.
- After a few days, the broth became cloudy.
- Needham saw microscopic life in the broth.
- He concluded that life arose spontaneously from a "life force."
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Description
John Needham's experiment involved boiling broth, sealing flasks, and observing the appearance of microscopic life. He concluded that life arose spontaneously from a 'life force'. This experiment contributed to the debate on spontaneous generation.
