The term biogenesis was coined by

Options

A. Louis Pasteur
B. Redi
C. Huxley
D. Arrhenius

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Biogenesis":**
- The term "biogenesis" refers to the concept that life arises from pre-existing life. It is derived from two Greek words: "bio," meaning life, and "genesis," meaning origin or beginning.

2. **Historical Context:**
- The theory of biogenesis was established in contrast to the theory of spontaneous generation, which suggested that life could arise from non-living matter.

3. **Key Experiment by Louis Pasteur:**
- In 1859, Louis Pasteur conducted a pivotal experiment to demonstrate the validity of the biogenesis theory. He set up two flasks containing nutrient broth.

4. **Experimental Setup:**
- Pasteur boiled the nutrient broth in both flasks to kill any existing microbes.
- Flask 1 was left sealed (undisturbed), while Flask 2 had its neck broken and was exposed to the air.

5. **Observations:**
- After some time, Pasteur observed that Flask 1 remained clear, indicating no microbial growth, while Flask 2 became cloudy, showing microbial growth.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Pasteur concluded that the microbial growth in Flask 2 was due to contamination from the air, supporting the idea that life (microbes) comes only from existing life, thus establishing the biogenesis theory.

7. **Answer to the Question:**
- The term "biogenesis" was first coined by Louis Pasteur.

**Final Answer:**
- The term biogenesis was coined by Louis Pasteur.

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