Table of contents

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: Alcohols, Aldehydes, & Biguanides

Microbiology

11. Controlling Microbial Growth

Liquid Chemicals: Alcohols, Aldehydes, & Biguanides

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Multiple Choice

Alcohols are not reliably effective at destroying:

Vegetative bacteria.

Enveloped viruses.

Endospores.

Non-enveloped viruses.

C & D.

A & B.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the mechanism of action of alcohols: Alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol, are commonly used disinfectants that work primarily by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, which disrupts the cell membrane of microorganisms.

Identify the types of microorganisms mentioned: The problem lists vegetative bacteria, enveloped viruses, endospores, and non-enveloped viruses. Each of these has different structural characteristics that affect their susceptibility to alcohols.

Evaluate the effectiveness of alcohols on vegetative bacteria and enveloped viruses: Alcohols are generally effective against vegetative bacteria and enveloped viruses because they can disrupt the lipid membranes and denature proteins, leading to cell death.

Consider the resistance of endospores: Endospores are highly resistant structures formed by certain bacteria, such as Bacillus and Clostridium species. They have a tough outer layer that protects them from harsh conditions, including alcohol exposure, making alcohols ineffective against them.

Assess the impact on non-enveloped viruses: Non-enveloped viruses lack a lipid membrane, which makes them more resistant to alcohols. Alcohols are less effective against these viruses because they primarily target lipid membranes, which non-enveloped viruses do not have.