Question

surfactants work by _________.

multiple choice

blocking transport into the organism

blocking transport out from the organism

coating the organism, preventing interaction with its environment

disrupting membrane integrity

all of the choices are correct

Explanation:

Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. In the context of microorganisms, surfactants work by disrupting the membrane integrity of the microbial cell. This disruption leads to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death. The other options (blocking transport in or out, coating the organism) are not the primary mode of action of surfactants.

Answer:

disrupting membrane integrity