Question

a. In terms of structure and function, how does (alcohols & halogens) affect bacteria, fungi, viruses, endospores and eukaryotic cells?

b. What kinds of materials and or substances can (alcohols & halogens) be used upon?

c. What are the advantages of using (alcohols & halogens)for disinfection, sanitation, asepsis or sterilization?

d. What are the disadvantages of using (alcohols & halogens) for disinfection, sanitation, asepsis or sterilization?

Answer 1

Ans)Alcohol kills bacteria mainly through 2 mechanisms: protein denaturation and dissolving the lipid membrane. Proteins, the machinery of the cell, must be dissolved in water in order to properly function.

Halogens work by oxidizing cellular components, including sulfur-containing amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids, and destabilizing the macromolecules that contain these molecules.

Ansb) Alcohols work on such a broad spectrum of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses), but not on spores, as these are better protected.

Halogens on the other hand kill microbes, fungi as well as endospores.

Ansc) Advantages are as follows-

1)They are inexpensive

2)Alcohol is another group of disinfectants used in treating skin and wounds against bacterial infections. They are used to clean the surfaces of wounds on the body.

3)They can also be used for surgical instrument and object sterilization.

Ansd)These can act as  irritants and can be harmful to humans, particularly in strong concentrations. Moreover alcohol has limited use and cant be used for endospores.