Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928 marked the beginning of modern antibiotics. He observed that a mold had contaminated a petri dish and killed the surrounding bacteria, leading scientists ______ the mold’s active substance into a life-saving medicine.

8
reading

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A

isolating

B

isolated

C

to isolate

D

isolate

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the best answer. The phrase "leading scientists to..." expresses the result or direction of the action. The infinitive "to isolate" is the correct form to follow "leading scientists."