Table of contents

Skip topic navigation

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

11. Controlling Microbial Growth

Liquid Chemicals: Surface-Active Agents

Microbiology

11. Controlling Microbial Growth

Liquid Chemicals: Surface-Active Agents

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Microbiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Quaternary ammonium compounds:

Are cationic detergents that help wash surfaces.

Are used as a 22% aqueous solution.

Are extremely toxic to humans.

Are amphipathic molecules with negatively charged hydrophilic portion.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the nature of quaternary ammonium compounds: These are a class of antimicrobial agents commonly used as disinfectants and sanitizers.

Recognize the structure of quaternary ammonium compounds: They are cationic detergents, meaning they have a positively charged hydrophilic portion, not negatively charged.

Identify the typical usage concentration: Quaternary ammonium compounds are usually used in lower concentrations, often around 0.1% to 2% in aqueous solutions, not 22%.

Evaluate the toxicity: While they are effective disinfectants, they are not extremely toxic to humans when used properly, but should be handled with care.

Clarify the amphipathic nature: These compounds are indeed amphipathic, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, which allows them to interact with microbial cell membranes effectively.