The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Penicillin was the first antibiotic to be discovered, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections. It is a secondary metabolite produced by certain fungi to inhibit the growth of competing bacteria.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, not Louis Pasteur. Louis Pasteur is primarily associated with the germ theory of disease, pasteurization, and the development of vaccines for rabies and anthrax.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The discovery was a serendipitous event that occurred while Fleming was working on a culture of disease-causing bacteria known as Staphylococci. He observed that a mould contaminating one of his culture plates had inhibited the bacterial growth around it.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The source of the antibiotic substance was a mould (fungus) identified as Penicillium notatum. Fleming named the substance "Penicillin" after the mould.
Key Takeaway:
Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming from the fungus Penicillium notatum while observing its inhibitory effect on Staphylococci bacteria.