Question

Phenolics act as disinfectant by _________.

• A. rupturing plasma membrane followed by leakage of cellular contents
• B. bond formation between adjacent pyrimidine bases
• C. forming adduct with amino acid and unsaturated fatty acids
• D. alkylation of proteins

Hint:

Phenolic disinfectants work by disrupting the cell membrane, causing leakage of cell contents and ultimately killing the microorganism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Phenolic disinfectants.
Phenolic compounds are effective disinfectants due to their ability to disrupt the plasma membrane of microorganisms. By breaking down the integrity of the cell membrane, they cause leakage of cellular contents, ultimately leading to cell death.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Correct, phenolics disrupt the cell membrane by penetrating the lipid bilayer and altering its structure, which leads to the leakage of cellular contents.
- (B) Incorrect, bond formation between pyrimidine bases is not a mechanism associated with phenolics; this is more related to UV radiation.
- (C) Incorrect, phenolics do not primarily form adducts with amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids.
- (D) Incorrect, alkylation of proteins is not the main mechanism of phenolic action.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) rupturing plasma membrane followed by leakage of cellular contents.