Life in the UK Test
Sign in
Back to A Long and Illustrious History

Alexander Fleming and penicillin

Study note

Alexander Fleming was a Scottish doctor who made one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century. In 1928, while he was actually researching influenza, he discovered penicillin. So the key facts are the discovery of penicillin, the year 1928, and that Fleming was Scottish.

Fleming's discovery was developed by other scientists into a usable drug, and by the 1940s penicillin was being mass produced, helping to save many lives during and after the Second World War. Fleming won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1945, and penicillin is still used to treat bacterial infections today. Do not confuse him with others: the jet engine was invented by Sir Frank Whittle, not by Fleming.

Memory tip: Alexander Fleming, a Scottish doctor, discovered penicillin in 1928.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

What did Alexander Fleming discover in 1928?

Score so far: 0 / 0
Show all questions and answers for Alexander Fleming and penicillin(3 questions with explanations)

Alexander Fleming and penicillin: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What did Alexander Fleming discover in 1928?

    • Penicillin
    • Radar
    • DNA
    • The jet engine

    Correct answer: Penicillin

    Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

  2. 2. Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, was from which part of the UK?

    • Cornwall
    • Northern Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales

    Correct answer: Scotland

    Fleming was a Scottish doctor.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928
    • Alexander Fleming invented the jet engine in 1928

    Correct answer: Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928

    Fleming discovered penicillin; the jet engine was invented by Sir Frank Whittle.

Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.