Question

Most antimicrobials that arrest protein function are non-selective as to the microbes they affect. Why are they non-selective to the ones they affect? can you give a detailed explanation?

Answer 1

Microbial life depends upon an orderly and continuous supply of proteins, synthesized via ribosomes during translation, in order to function as enzymes and structural molecules. Microbial agents inhibit the forming of proteins required in growth and metabolism and are thus inhibit microorganisms from multiplying. Antimicrobial agents disrupt, or denature proteins. Loss pf normal protein function can promptly arrest metabolism. Most antimicrobial's of this type are non-selective as to the microbes they affect. Proteins can also be denatured through coagulation by moist heat (like the solidification of a boiled egg white). The non-selective nature of thease kind of anti-microbials is due to the means required to arrect protein function. For example, protein can be denatured through by chemicals such as phenolics or alcohols. Oxidisers also damage protein in the microbial cell. Heavy metals such as Mercyry, silver, zinc etc. can combine with proteins and inactivate it or may precipitate it. These chemical agents do not distinguish between different types of proteins. They have a genenral function of denaturing protein and causing its loss of function. As such, these anti-microbial agents are non-selective in nature.