The wonder drug, penicillin is extracted from which of the following species of penicillium?

Options

A. Penicillium notatum
B. P. chrysogenum
C. Both a and b
D. None of these

Explanation

To determine from which species of Penicillium penicillin is extracted, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Options
The question provides four options:
1. Penicillium notatum
2. Penicillium chrysogenum
3. Both A and B
4. None of the above

### Step 2: Understand Penicillin
Penicillin is a group of antibiotics that are derived from molds, specifically from the Penicillium species. It is important to know that there are different types of penicillin, such as penicillin G and penicillin V.

### Step 3: Research the Source of Penicillin
Penicillin was first discovered from the mold Penicillium notatum. However, the species that is primarily used for the commercial production of penicillin today is Penicillium chrysogenum.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
- **Option 1 (Penicillium notatum)**: This species was historically significant as it was the first source of penicillin.
- **Option 2 (Penicillium chrysogenum)**: This is the current primary source of penicillin.
- **Option 3 (Both A and B)**: Since both species have been associated with penicillin, this option seems plausible.
- **Option 4 (None of the above)**: This option can be ruled out as both species are indeed related to penicillin.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Given that both Penicillium notatum and Penicillium chrysogenum are related to the production of penicillin, the correct answer is **Option 3: Both A and B**.

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