Who discovered penicillin?

Alexander Fleming is credited with the discovery of penicillin in 1928. This groundbreaking finding occurred when he noticed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had contaminated one of his petri dishes and was inhibiting the growth of staphylococci bacteria. His observations led him to conclude that this mold could produce a substance that had antibacterial properties, which he later named penicillin. This discovery marked the beginning of modern antibiotics and transformed the field of medicine, providing a powerful tool against bacterial infections.

The other individuals mentioned have made significant contributions to science and medicine but are associated with different breakthroughs. Marie Curie is famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity, earning two Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry. Louis Pasteur is renowned for developing the germ theory of disease and pasteurization, which revolutionized sanitary practices. Gregory Pincus is best known for his role in the development of the oral contraceptive pill, not antibiotics. Thus, it is clear that Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin specifically established him as a significant figure in the history of medicine.