Disinfecting agents naturally produced by microorganisms are
a. antibiotics.
b. quaternary ammonium compounds.
c. triclosans.
d. halogens.
e. aldehydes.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. antibiotics.
Explanation:
Disinfecting agents that are naturally produced by microorganisms are known as antibiotics. These are chemical substances that are produced by certain bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to inhibit or kill other microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Antibiotics work by targeting specific features of bacterial cells, such as the cell wall, protein synthesis machinery, or DNA replication process, which can lead to the destruction or inhibition of bacterial growth. These naturally occurring substances are part of a microorganism’s defense mechanism, helping them compete for resources and space in their environment by killing or inhibiting other competing microorganisms.
One of the most well-known examples of antibiotics is penicillin, which was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Penicillin is produced by the mold Penicillium and is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Other antibiotics, such as streptomycin, are produced by soil bacteria like Streptomyces, and many others have been derived from fungi or other microorganisms.
Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine by allowing for the treatment of infections that were once fatal. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant challenge to public health.
The other options listed in the question are different types of disinfectants or antiseptics, but they are not naturally produced by microorganisms:
- b. Quaternary ammonium compounds are synthetic chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting.
- c. Triclosans are synthetic antibacterial agents commonly used in personal care products but are not naturally produced.
- d. Halogens like chlorine and iodine are chemical disinfectants, but they are not naturally produced by microorganisms.
- e. Aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, are also chemical disinfectants and are synthetic.
Thus, antibiotics are the correct answer as they are naturally produced by microorganisms to fight off bacterial threats.