Which of the following best explains why ethanol and other alcohols are effective in microbial control?

• A. They inhibit DNA replication by binding to nucleic acids.
• B. They neutralize toxins by forming covalent bonds with them.
• C. They denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes.
• D. They act as strong oxidizing agents, generating free radicals.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the mechanism of action of ethanol and other alcohols in microbial control, which involves their interaction with microbial cell components.
2. Recall that proteins are essential for microbial cell structure and function, including enzymes and membrane proteins.
3. Recognize that ethanol and other alcohols cause denaturation of proteins, meaning they disrupt the three-dimensional structure of proteins, leading to loss of function.
4. Consider that alcohols also disrupt the lipid bilayer of microbial cell membranes, increasing permeability and causing leakage of cellular contents.
5. Conclude that the combined effect of protein denaturation and membrane disruption leads to microbial cell death, explaining why ethanol and other alcohols are effective antimicrobial agents.