Spontaneous generation

Definition

Spontaneous generation is the outdated theory that life can arise from non-living matter. It was widely believed until it was disproven by experiments in the 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aristotle was one of the earliest proponents of spontaneous generation.
2. Francesco Redi's experiments with meat and maggots in the 17th century challenged this theory.
3. Louis Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment in 1859 conclusively disproved spontaneous generation.
4. The theory was replaced by the concept of biogenesis, which states that living organisms come only from other living organisms.
5. Spontaneous generation was a major obstacle to understanding microbial life and its origins.

Review Questions

• What experiment did Louis Pasteur conduct to disprove spontaneous generation?
• Which scientist's work first challenged the concept of spontaneous generation with evidence?
• How did the theory of biogenesis replace spontaneous generation?

Related terms

Biogenesis:

The principle that living organisms are derived from other living organisms.

Louis Pasteur:

A French microbiologist who disproved spontaneous generation with his swan-neck flask experiment.

Francesco Redi:

An Italian physician who conducted early experiments challenging the theory of spontaneous generation using meat and maggots.