Question

With reference to disinfection, which of the following statement(s) is/are CORRECT?

• A. Ethanol damages lipid structures in the bacterial cell membrane.
• B. Mercuric chloride inactivates cellular enzymes containing sulfhydryl groups.
• C. Glutaraldehyde inactivates protein.
• D. Isopropyl alcohol cannot be used as a disinfectant.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B, C

(A) Ethanol effectively disrupts bacterial cell membranes by damaging lipid structures and denaturing proteins, making it an effective disinfectant. 
(B) Mercuric chloride targets cellular enzymes by binding to sulfhydryl groups, leading to enzyme inactivation. 
(C) Glutaraldehyde is used extensively for high-level disinfection and sterilization due to its ability to crosslink and inactivate proteins. 
(D) Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant and is effective against a variety of pathogens due to its protein denaturation and lipid dissolution capabilities.