The first true antibiotic discovered was penicillin.
Discovery of Penicillin
- Discovery: Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, a Professor of Bacteriology at St. Mary's Hospital in London.
- Accidental Finding: The discovery of penicillin was an accidental finding. Fleming noticed a mold, Penicillium notatum, growing on a petri dish containing bacteria. He observed that the area around the mold was clear of bacterial growth, suggesting the mold was producing a substance that inhibited bacterial growth.
- Impact: The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine by providing a treatment for bacterial infections that were previously deadly.
Importance of Penicillin
Penicillin marked the beginning of the antibiotic era and has had a profound impact on healthcare, saving countless lives by effectively combating bacterial infections.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovered | 1928 by Alexander Fleming |
| Significance | First true antibiotic; revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections |
| Mechanism | Inhibits bacterial growth |
| Source | Penicillium notatum mold |
