What is the primary mechanism of action for quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants?

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Q: What is the primary mechanism of action for quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants?

Solution: Quaternary ammonium compounds primarily act by disrupting cell membranes, leading to cell lysis and death of the microorganism.

Steps: 6

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.