Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What discovery is attributed to Louis Pasteur?

1. Role of microorganisms in disease

2. Structure of DNA

3. Basic principles of genetics

4. Fundamentals of photosynthesis

The correct answer is: Role of microorganisms in disease

The discovery attributed to Louis Pasteur is the role of microorganisms in disease. Pasteur is renowned for his pioneering work in microbiology, particularly his research on the germ theory of disease. He demonstrated that many diseases are caused by pathogens, which are microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. This work laid the foundation for the field of immunology and led to significant advancements in public health, sterilization, and sanitation practices. His experiments debunked the idea of spontaneous generation and showed that microorganisms could lead to spoilage and disease, leading to the development of vaccines for rabies and anthrax, among others. This fundamental understanding of how microorganisms affect health has greatly shaped modern medicine. The other options pertain to subjects developed by other scientists, such as the structure of DNA, principles of genetics, and photosynthesis, which are not associated with Pasteur's research.