Which of the following is not a valid conclusion and/or outcome of Pasteur's experiment refuting the theory of spontaneous generation?

• A. That microorganisms are present everywhere, even in the air.
• B. The development of aseptic techniques when working with microbial cultures.
• C. Microorganisms can cause disease.
• D. Living cells can only develop from pre-existing cells.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of Pasteur's experiment: Louis Pasteur conducted experiments to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation, which suggested that living organisms could arise from non-living matter.
2. Review the outcomes of Pasteur's experiment: Pasteur demonstrated that microorganisms are present in the air and can contaminate sterile solutions, leading to the conclusion that life does not spontaneously arise from non-living matter.
3. Identify the valid conclusions from Pasteur's experiment: Pasteur's work led to the understanding that living cells can only develop from pre-existing cells, and it contributed to the development of aseptic techniques to prevent contamination by microorganisms.
4. Evaluate the statement 'Microorganisms can cause disease': While Pasteur's work laid the groundwork for understanding microbial life, the direct link between microorganisms and disease was established later by other scientists, such as Robert Koch.
5. Determine which statement is not a valid conclusion of Pasteur's experiment: The statement 'Microorganisms can cause disease' is not a direct outcome of Pasteur's experiment refuting spontaneous generation, as it focuses on the presence and prevention of microbial contamination rather than disease causation.