Penicillin - Activity 1

Thinking about the germ theory of disease

1. The germ theory of disease is widely accepted now, and it affects the way people behave even if they are quite unaware of the science. How is your behaviour affected by your belief in the germ theory of disease? How would your behaviour be different if you did not know about bacteria and viruses?
    
2. The work of people like Fleming, Florey and Chain depended on the development of the germ theory of disease by the scientists who came before them. Why is this?
    
3. Infectious diseases have affected people throughout human history. Why do you think that it took so long for people to begin to investigate and discover the real causes of these diseases?
    
4. The numbers of women dying of infection after giving birth increased greatly in the late 19th century as doctors and hospitals became more involved in the delivery of babies. Using your 21st century knowledge about disease, why you think this was the case? 

The germ theory of disease

Finding out about Fleming

Florey, Chain and large-scale production

Accident or design?

The unsung heroes

Penicillin - the true story?