Which of the following best describes the primary mechanisms of action of alcohols on bacterial cells?

• A. Block ribosomal function and protein synthesis
• B. Interfere with cell wall synthesis
• C. Denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes
• D. Inhibit DNA replication and transcription

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that alcohols are commonly used as disinfectants and antiseptics in microbiology due to their ability to kill or inhibit microbial growth.
2. Step 2: Recall that the primary mechanism of action of alcohols involves their interaction with bacterial cell components, particularly proteins and membranes.
3. Step 3: Recognize that alcohols cause denaturation of proteins, which means they disrupt the three-dimensional structure of proteins, rendering them nonfunctional.
4. Step 4: Understand that alcohols also disrupt the lipid bilayer of bacterial cell membranes, increasing membrane permeability and leading to leakage of cellular contents.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the combined effect of protein denaturation and membrane disruption leads to bacterial cell death, which is why the best description is 'Denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes.'