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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
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Which of the following sterilization/disinfection agents works by disrupting the cell membrane?
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The correct answer is  Option 1 They are bactericidal or bacteriostatic and some are fungicidal also. They act by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes. Option 2 Mode of action of Halogens: All preparations yield hypochlorous acid (HClO) which causes oxidative destruction of vegetative bacteria and fungi, but not spores. Option 3 Mode of action of Heavy metals: Heavy metals combine with bacterial cell proteins, often with their sulphydryl groups, and inactivate them. They may also precipitate cell proteins. Option 4 Ethylene oxide sterilizer is one of the widely used gaseous chemical sterilants in present days. It has high penetration power, has both microbicidal and sporicidal activity; acts by combining with cell proteins.