Fleming

Definition

Fleming refers to Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist who discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, in 1928. His discovery marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of bacterial infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin from the mold Penicillium notatum.
2. The discovery of penicillin by Fleming was accidental when he noticed that mold killed surrounding bacteria on a petri dish.
3. Penicillin became widely used during World War II and saved countless lives by treating bacterial infections in wounded soldiers.
4. Fleming shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain for their work on penicillin.
5. Fleming's discovery led to the development of a new era of antibiotics, revolutionizing medical treatment and leading to increased survival rates from bacterial infections.

Review Questions

• Who discovered penicillin and in what year?
• What type of organism produces penicillin?
• Why was the discovery of penicillin significant during World War II?

Related terms

Penicillin:

The first antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming, derived from Penicillium mold.

Antibiotic: A substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Howard Florey:

A pharmacologist who played a crucial role in developing penicillin for widespread use.