Q.80 Match the names of investigators in Group 1 with their contributions in Group 2:
Group 1
P. Joseph Lister
Q. John Needham
R. Elie Metchnikoff
S. Lazaro Spallanzani
Group 2
1. Role of phagocytosis in infection
2. Disproved spontaneous generation
3. Proved spontaneous generation
4. Use of agar as solidifying agent
5. Use of carbolic acid as disinfectant
(A) P-5, Q-3, R-4, S-1
(B) P-5, Q-3, R-1, S-2
(C) P-4, Q-3, R-1, S-5
(D) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4
Joseph Lister, John Needham, Elie Metchnikoff, Lazaro Spallanzani: Matching Microbiology Pioneers and Contributions MCQ Solved
Joseph Lister pioneered antiseptic surgery, John Needham supported spontaneous generation, Elie Metchnikoff discovered phagocytosis, and Lazaro Spallanzani disproved spontaneous generation in early microbiology experiments. The correct match is option (B).
Correct Answer
(B) P-5, Q-3, R-1, S-2
This pairs each investigator’s key historical contribution accurately based on their documented work in microbiology history.
Investigators and Contributions
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P. Joseph Lister → 5. Use of carbolic acid as disinfectant: Lister introduced carbolic acid (phenol) in 1867 for antisepsis in surgery, drastically reducing infections.
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Q. John Needham → 3. Proved spontaneous generation: Needham boiled nutrient broth briefly and sealed flasks loosely, observing growth and claiming life arose spontaneously from non-living matter.
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R. Elie Metchnikoff → 1. Role of phagocytosis in infection: Metchnikoff identified phagocytes (mobile cells engulfing bacteria) in starfish larvae and vertebrates, earning the 1908 Nobel for innate immunity foundations.
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S. Lazaro Spallanzani → 2. Disproved spontaneous generation: Spallanzani boiled broth longer in sealed flasks, preventing microbial growth and challenging Needham’s claims.
Option Analysis
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(A) P-5, Q-3, R-4, S-1: Wrong—Metchnikoff discovered phagocytosis (1), not agar use (4, credited to Hesse/Walther in 1881).
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(B) P-5, Q-3, R-1, S-2: Correct—all matches align with historical records.
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(C) P-4, Q-3, R-1, S-5: Wrong—Lister used carbolic acid (5), not agar (4); Spallanzani disproved generation (2), not disinfection.
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(D) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4: Wrong—Needham supported (3), not disproved (2); Lister did not prove generation (3).
Introduction to Pioneers in Microbiology History
In microbiology history, matching Joseph Lister, John Needham, Elie Metchnikoff, and Lazaro Spallanzani contributions tests understanding of spontaneous generation debates, phagocytosis discovery, and antiseptic techniques. This MCQ covers their 18th-19th century experiments pivotal to germ theory.
Key Contributions Breakdown
Joseph Lister revolutionized surgery with carbolic acid as disinfectant, reducing post-operative infections by applying germ theory practically. John Needham’s flawed boiling experiments “proved” spontaneous generation, claiming microbes arose from broth alone. Elie Metchnikoff elucidated phagocytosis role in infection, showing white blood cells engulf pathogens as innate immunity. Lazaro Spallanzani disproved spontaneous generation via prolonged boiling in sealed flasks, proving microbes come from air contamination.
| Investigator | Correct Match | Contribution Details |
|---|---|---|
| P. Joseph Lister | 5 | Carbolic acid disinfectant in surgery |
| Q. John Needham | 3 | Proved spontaneous generation |
| R. Elie Metchnikoff | 1 | Phagocytosis in infection |
| S. Lazaro Spallanzani | 2 | Disproved spontaneous generation |
Why Option B is Correct for Exams
Option B perfectly aligns historical facts: Lister-5 (antisepsis), Needham-3 (generation support), Metchnikoff-1 (phagocytes), Spallanzani-2 (disproof). Others mismatch, like assigning agar (4) wrongly— that’s later by Fanny Hesse.
Exam Tips for Microbiology MCQs
Focus on timelines: Needham/Spallanzani (1700s generation debate), Lister (1860s surgery), Metchnikoff (1880s immunity). Practice matching via timelines for NEET, CSIR NET biotech exams.
