Passage VII
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses (microorganisms) cause diseases and infections. Disinfectants are chemical agents used on inanimate objects to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Antiseptics are chemical agents used on the skin to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Several groups of disinfectants and antiseptics are depicted in Table 1.
The chemical agents that make up disinfectants and antiseptics can be dissolved either in alcohol (forming a tincture) or water (forming an aqueous solution). The effectiveness of a variety of antiseptics against the normal microbial flora of the skin is shown in Figure 1.
37. According to the information presented in Table 1 and Figure 1, what conclusion about the use of alcohol as an antiseptic may be reached?
Your Answer is
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
From table 1, we know that the chemical composition of alcohol is ethanol;
Look at the curve of 1% iodine in 70% alcohol (iodine) in figure 1, and find that the bactericidal effect of iodine is better than other antiseptics good