Question

The wonder drug, Penicillin is extracted from which of the following species of Penicillium?
A.Penicillium notatum
B. P.Chrysogenum
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Penicillin, also abbreviated as PCN or pen is a group of antibiotics. They are derived from Penicillium fungi. Penicillin is extracted from the species Penicillium chrysogenum. It was previously called Penicillium notatum that produces the antibiotic penicillin. They are among the first drugs to be effective against many serious diseases and bacterial infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci.

Complete answer:

Option (A) - Penicillium notatum
It is the first Penicillium fungi from which penicillin antibiotics were isolated. It is used for the treatment of Gram-positive bacteria. It is also used in the production of other β-lactam antibiotics.

Option (B), Penicillium chrysogenum
It is also known as Penicillium notatum. P.chrysogenum is a species of fungus that belongs to the genus Penicillium. It is found in temperate and subtropical regions and on salted food products. But it is mostly found in indoor environments, like damp or water-damaged buildings.

Option (C) - both A and B
It is the correct answer because they are the same as Penicillium chrysogenum is also known as Penicillium notatum.

Option (D), none of the above is wrong because Penicillin is extracted from the species Penicillium chrysogenum, also known as Penicillium notatum.

Hence, The correct answer is option (C).

Note: Penicillin is a group of antibiotics, which was originally driven from common molds known as Penicillium molds. This group includes penicillin G (intravenous use), penicillin V (use by mouth), procaine penicillin, and benzathine penicillin (intramuscular use).