What is the primary mechanism of action for quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants?
Correct Answer: Quaternary ammonium compounds disrupt cell membranes.
- Step 1: Understand that quaternary ammonium compounds are a type of disinfectant.
- Step 2: Know that these compounds interact with the outer layer of microorganisms, which includes bacteria and viruses.
- Step 3: Recognize that the primary action of these compounds is to disrupt the cell membrane of the microorganisms.
- Step 4: When the cell membrane is disrupted, it causes the contents of the cell to leak out.
- Step 5: This leakage leads to cell lysis, which means the cell breaks apart and dies.
- Step 6: As a result, the microorganism cannot survive, and this is how quaternary ammonium compounds disinfect.
No concepts available.
