The experiment depicted in the diagram below proves that
A) amino acids are the building blocks of life.
B) some forms of life can arise by spontaneous generation.
C) oxygen is needed for life.
D) life comes from decaying matter.
E) life comes from preexisting life.

Question

The experiment depicted in the diagram below proves that 
A) amino acids are the building blocks of life. 
B) some forms of life can arise by spontaneous generation. 
C) oxygen is needed for life. 
D) life comes from decaying matter. 
E) life comes from preexisting life.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment depicted in the diagram, known as the Swan-neck flask experiment, proved that spontaneous generation, or the idea that life can arise from non-living matter, is not true. The flask was boiled to kill any preexisting life and create a sterile environment, and therefore no life should have been able to arise on its own. However, once the flask was tilted and oxygen was allowed to enter, microorganisms began to grow. This showed that life comes from preexisting life rather than spontaneously generating from non-living matter.

The Experiment Depicted in the Diagram Below Proves That