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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?
- Life can arise spontaneously from non-living matter due to a 'life force'. (correct)
- Sealing flasks prevents contamination, ensuring a sterile environment indefinitely.
- Boiling completely sterilizes broth, preventing any future microbial growth.
- Microbes only arise from other microbes through reproduction.
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?
- Observing microscopic creatures in the broth after it had been boiled and sealed. (correct)
- Sterilizing the flasks with high heat to eliminate all initial contaminants.
- Allowing direct exposure of the broth to open air.
- Infusing the broth with plant and animal matter before boiling.
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?
- Using multiple types of broth to ensure the results were consistent.
- Verifying that the broth was completely sterile after boiling but before sealing. (correct)
- Quantifying the exact amount of plant and animal matter added to the broth.
- Ensuring that the flasks were completely sealed to prevent any contamination.
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?
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?
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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