Question

People once thought that life could arise from nonliving matter, an idea called spontaneous generation. How did scientists show this idea to be incorrect? (1 point)
• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed tiny living things under a microscope.
• Genetic scientists transferred genes between organisms.

Answer 1

The idea of spontaneous generation was largely disproven by the experiments of Louis Pasteur in the 19th century, although Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's observations did provide early evidence for the existence of microorganisms. Pasteur's work demonstrated that microorganisms come from other microorganisms, rather than arising spontaneously from nonliving matter. He conducted experiments using sterilized broth in swan-neck flasks, showing that when the flasks were sealed, no microbial growth occurred, thus supporting the idea that life does not arise from nonliving material.

So, while both options presented do touch on significant historical contributions to microbiology, the best answer to the question about disproving spontaneous generation is related to Pasteur's experiments, which are not directly mentioned in your provided options. However, from your options, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek's observations of tiny living things under a microscope are related foundational work that contributed to the understanding that life comes from preexisting life, although not a direct disproval of spontaneous generation.