Which one of the following experiments suggests that simplest living organisms could not have originated spontaneously from non-living matter

Options

A. Microbes did not appear in stored meat
B. Larvae could appear in decaying organic matter
C. Microbes appeared from unsterlized organic matter
D. Meat was not spoiled , when heated and kept sealed in a vessel.

Answer

To answer the question, "Which one of the following experiments suggests that simplest living organisms could not have originated spontaneously from non-living matter?" we will analyze the options provided based on the principles of spontaneous generation and the experiments that challenged this theory.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Spontaneous Generation**:
- Spontaneous generation is the theory that living organisms can arise from non-living matter. This idea was prevalent among early philosophers and scientists before the development of modern biology.

2. **Review Historical Beliefs**:
- Ancient beliefs included the idea that certain conditions, like warmth and moisture, could lead to the spontaneous generation of life, such as frogs from mud.

3. **Identify Key Experiments**:
- Louis Pasteur conducted significant experiments that disproved spontaneous generation. He demonstrated that microorganisms in the air were responsible for contamination and that life does not arise from non-living matter.

4. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Microbes did not appear in stored meat. This suggests that life does not spontaneously arise from non-living matter, but it is not a direct experiment.
- **Option 2**: Larvae could appear in decaying organic matter. This supports spontaneous generation rather than disproving it.
- **Option 3**: Microbes appeared from unsterilized organic matter. This indicates that life comes from existing life, not from non-living matter, but does not directly address the question.
- **Option 4**: Meat was not spoiled when heated and kept sealed in a vessel. This is a direct result of Pasteur's experiments, showing that without exposure to pre-existing life (microorganisms), no life forms would develop.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option 4**: Meat was not spoiled when heated and kept sealed in a vessel because there were no living organisms there. This experiment by Pasteur supports the idea that simplest living organisms could not have originated spontaneously from non-living matter.

### Final Answer:
**Option 4: Meat was not spoiled when heated and kept sealed in a vessel.**

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