MicrobiologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Control of Microbial Growth

Chemical Microbial Controls: Mechanisms, Applications, and Limitations

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Chemical control uses substances to kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth. Selecting a product requires balancing its effectiveness with safety, cost, ease of use, and the effect it may have on the treated item.

A chemical that works well against one group of microbes may be ineffective against another, so intended use and product instructions are essential.

All flashcards

What factors guide the choice of a chemical microbial control?
Target microbes, required control level, material compatibility, safety, cost, and practicality.
How do phenolics commonly control microorganisms?
They denature proteins and disrupt cell membranes.
What is triclosan’s bacterial target?
A specific enzyme in fatty-acid synthesis; the comparable human pathway lacks this target.
Why are aqueous alcohol solutions around 70% commonly used for disinfection?
Water slows rapid surface protein coagulation, helping alcohol penetrate cells.
How does supercritical carbon dioxide affect cells?
It penetrates cells, forms carbonic acid, and lowers intracellular pH.

Quiz questions

  1. For what use is silver sulfadiazine cream commonly applied?Answer: Topical treatment of wounds, especially burns.
  2. How does iodine control microorganisms?Answer: It oxidizes cellular components, including amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids.
  3. What hazard can arise when nitrite-preserved meat is exposed to heat during cooking?Answer: Carcinogenic nitrosamines can form.
  4. What strong oxidant forms when chlorine gas is mixed with water?Answer: Hypochlorous acid.
  5. How does nisin help preserve food?Answer: It disrupts cell-wall production, especially in gram-positive organisms.

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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