foundations in microbiology test bank Related

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Disinfection with chemicals acting on cell surface:

  • A. Soaps
  • B. Phenols
  • C. Amines
  • D. Polymyxin
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phenols. Phenols act on the cell surface by disrupting cell membranes and denaturing proteins, leading to cell death. Soaps (A) work by lifting dirt and microbes off surfaces, not directly acting on cell surfaces. Amines (C) are typically used as disinfectants targeting specific enzymes in microbes, not cell surfaces. Polymyxin (D) is an antibiotic that works by disrupting cell membranes internally, not on the cell surface.